Advertisement

'I, Tonya': Margot Robbie debuts as Tonya Harding in teaser

"America... they want someone to love. They want someone to hate."

By Annie Martin
Margot Robbie portrays disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding in "I, Tonya." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI
1 of 3 | Margot Robbie portrays disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding in "I, Tonya." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo

Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Margot Robbie channels former ice skating star Tonya Harding in a first teaser for I, Tonya.

The 27-year-old Australian actress portrays the disgraced American figure skater, who was banned for life from the U.S. Figure Skating Association in 1994 for her role in a highly-publicized attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan.

Advertisement

The promo shows Robbie take to the ice as Harding as she muses, "America... they want someone to love. They want someone to hate." It also previews the infamous attack on Kerrigan, played by Caitlin Carver.

The real-life Harding and Kerrigan were to compete at the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships when Kerrigan was attacked during a practice session. Harding ultimately won the event after Kerrigan withdrew due to her injuries.

The attack was traced to Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gilooly, and bodyguard, Shawn Eckardt, who were prosecuted as Harding and Kerrigan competed at the 1994 Olympic games. Harding later pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution and was banned from competition for life.

I, Tonya is directed by Lars and the Real Girl helmer Craig Gillespie, and co-stars Sebastian Stan as Gilooly, Paul Walter Hauser as Eckhardt and Allison Janney as Harding's mom, LaVona. The film opens in theaters Dec. 8.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines