The legacy of Chucky Mullins still impacts Ole Miss today and with the recent announcement of the upcoming movie “It’s Time,” the story of Chucky Mullins will be forever preserved through film. The movie will focus on telling the story of Mullins’ friendship with Brad Gaines, the player whom Mullins tackled when he became paralyzed.
“I’ve been on this project since June, and we have been talking about what a love story it is,” said Dylan Fowler, assistant to the production designer. “There may not be romantic interests, but a love of Chucky… Chucky’s love for Ole Miss, Chucky’s love for everybody else, the love of Mississippi and the love of football. It is a love story.”
Ole Miss students are eager to be involved with the project, and many students are, or plan to be, extras in the film as they continue to film throughout Mississippi.
Madison Brock, a senior business marketing major from Jackson, Mississippi, has been filming as an extra in Clarksdale, Mississippi, even though, the real event took place in Nashville, Tennessee. The scene shows Brad Gaines getting into a fight with someone who said that Mullins deserved what happened to him.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster,” Brock said.
“I had no idea they were even making this movie until I saw them filming on campus,” said Kristen Tucker, senior business major from Quitman, Mississippi. “I plan on keeping my eyes open for future casting calls because I would love to be an extra.”
During filming on campus, all modern cars were replaced with older models that would have been parked in the circle during Mullins’ time at Ole Miss the 1980s.
“We are recreating the ‘80s in Mississippi and it is incredible,” Fowler said.
Actors and actresses were required to sit through extensive hair and makeup in order to transform them back in time. Almost all the girls adorned teased, curly hair and the boys all wore khakis and loafers.
Alex Presley, a senior IMC major from Tupelo, Mississippi, also served as an extra on the film and discussed her wardrobe experience.
“I went with my hair curled and they teased it way up. [The wardrobe department] had lots of hairspray on hand,” Presley said.
Assistant costume production assistant Kelen Turner said that she is most passionate about the wardrobes and ready to bring everything together for the movie.
“We are dealing with costumes from the ‘80s. We actually went to a place in Yazoo and got some clothes that haven’t even been touched since the 80s. They still have their tags on them,” Turner said.
Several Ole Miss students are excited to be involved because of the sentimental and historical significance this movie will hold for the Ole Miss community.
“It was such a fun experience, especially to have in my home state,” Presley said. “I love every opportunity that brings film, music and other art to the South. This is a story that needs to be told, and I can’t wait to see it come together.”
Rebel football is already an emotional experience for the Ole Miss family, and the story of Chucky Mullins and Brad Gaines is one of the most touching moments in the school history.
“This is such a huge part of Ole Miss history,” Brock said. “I have already gotten teary-eyed several times on set. For any Ole Miss student, this movie is going to tug so heavy at your heart strings.”
Alumni and students alike still embrace and celebrate Chucky Mullins’ life, and through this movie even people outside of the Ole Miss family will be able to hear Mullins’ story.
Jason Jones, junior broadcast journalism major from Atlanta, said, “I’m glad they are making a movie about this because it is a big part of Ole Miss history, and I feel like the majority of Ole Miss students who wear ‘Chucky Mullins 38’ stickers on Saturdays in the Grove do not truly understand the meaning behind them.”
This movie will not only bring the story of #38 to new audiences, but it will give a deeper perspective into the brotherhood formed between Chucky Mullins and Brad Gaines to those who may not be aware of the bond the two shared.
Elizabeth Hawthorne is an intern for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at elhathor@go.olemiss.edu.
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