Steyn to star in Hollywood flick with Sandler and Barrymore

Johannesburg: South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is all set to make a guest appearance in a Hollywood flick starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Steyn, known as the Phalaborwa Express, flew to Hollywood, Los Angeles, last week to shoot for the family drama Family Moon. The film will also see a cameo from former basketball big man Shaquille O’Neal. The movie, directed by Frank Coraci is set for release next year. Steyn is playing the role of a South African cricketer. The film explores the growing phenomenon of blended families. The story revolves around a couple who, after a disastrous blind date, find themselves stuck together with their children from previous marriage. Steyn said he was having an “amazing” time on set with Sandler and the rest of the cast. “The whole thing was amazing. Adam was great. He really made me feel welcome. They all did. The team at Warner Brothers and Happy Madison Productions were so friendly and professional," Steyn was quoted as saying by IOL. “It was also great meeting people like Drew Barrymore and Shaq O’Neil. Shaq is huge. I come up to his shoulder,” he said. Though it is only a cameo role, Steyn said he was having fun playing the role of a South African cricketer. “I have to pitch/bowl to Drew’s son, whom Adam is coaching. In typical Adam Sandler style, we have a few issues as I bounce the ball instead of pitching over the plate. It’s going to be very funny,” said Steyn, who is also a huge Sandler fan. “He (Sandler) is a really nice guy, and is funny off set as well,” Steyn said. “After watching years of his movies I felt like I knew him already. He has a great family and it was a pleasure spending time with them. We chatted quite a bit, we spent all day just shooting that one scene, so we kind of just hung out all day. I am not sure if he had heard of me before, but we are friends now,” he said. Steyn was pleasently surprised to see Sandler in a Proteas shirt when he invited to the actor`s home for dinner. “When I walked in he was wearing the Proteas shirt. That was pretty cool,” he said. IANS