A feature film is in the works starring LSU’s beloved mascot Mike the Tiger. It’s titled The Mascot and is loosely based on writer/director Matthew Perkins’ life when he donned the Uga costume at the University of Georgia. He approached his alma mater about the film first, but their loss is now LSU’s gain.
“They got it immediately, we had a signed licensing agreement within six weeks. Very excited to push it out and have it be a Mike the Tiger movie,” said Perkins.
Perkins said it’s a heartfelt, coming of age, sports comedy about a quarterback who loses his scholarship to LSU, and then sorts of reinvents himself as the mascot. Perkins said it’s more of a parable about identity, and how we all wear masks metaphorically, especially in our formative years in college.
“But in this case, this guy just has to put on a giant tiger costume to figure out who he really is,” said Perkins.
And with the university’s name image and likeness deals chances are you’ll see some LSU student-athletes cast in the film. But Perkins there’s one thing for sure, you’ll see a film crew on the sidelines during football season.
“They’ve given us access to shoot during games, particularly following Mike, the focus is more on the sideline than it is on the field. But that’s kind of a unique perspective for a sports movie,” said Perkins.
Casey Cott who’s known for his role in Riverdale has been cast as the lead character in The Mascot.
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