Don’t worry, I didn’t forget to put a “mature content” tag on this. Contrary to how the name sounds, Cornhole isn’t the next Soulja Boy inspired term. If you’re not from Ohio, or know someone from there, then you probably have no idea what Cornhole is, but that is about to change!

Cornhole is a popular game here in Cincinnati. I’m originally from Columbus, but had not actually heard the term Cornhole until my first year at the University of Cincinnati, where it became an activity hard to avoid.

So what is it? You’ve probably played it in one way or another. It’s simply a backyard game where you through a bean bag into a angled platform with a hole in it. There are 2 teams, usually with 1-2 players on each team that take turns lofting the bags back and forth. You get points for landing on the board, and getting it through the hole. The game is often supplemented with adult beverages, and popular with the college crowd, as well as tailgating parking lot parties, and your typical backyard grill-out.

Now that we all know what I’m talking about.. whyam I talking about it? Well, out of pretty much no where, Nintendo has announced the development of a game called “Target Toss Pro: BAGS”, to be release on WiiWare (no date specified).

In addition to the Wii catching on to this midwest hobby, there is also a movie dedicated to the sport, Cornhole: The Movie, which is due to premier some time this year.

I was lucky enough to snag an interview with one of the actors in this upcoming movie!

Drew Hansonplays the role of Stew Neagan. According to the movie’s website, his character is the self-proclaimed hotshot VP of marketing wants to transform the game of cornhole into the biggest lawn sport in the country. Forget the baby-boomers or gen X, Y and Z, for that matter. He’s taking aim at the fastest growing segment of the US population, the chubby people. ”

Drew Hanson is an actor from Columbus, Ohio.

GEN: Before the movie did you ever play cornhole?

DH: Oh yea for sure. I had played it a few times at parties and tailgating events but didn’t really get overly hyped about it. It wasn’t until I got involved with the picture and started researching the role that I really realized it’s quite the obsession down to the decor of the boards for a large amount of people in this area of the country… and it’s getting bigger!

GEN: I’ve read a little bit about your movie being compared to Dodgeball, what kind of similarities are there? What’s different?

DH: I think anytime a non-traditional sports picture is made it’s got some comparisons to other humorous games that are done on playgrounds at recess. Just the idea that grown men, and women, in the case of the Gina character in the movie, still have such passion and compete at such intensely high levels is just hilarious and I think it will show in the movie as well. What makes this different than a movie like Dodgeball is that it’s shot similar to “The Office” in documentary type form.

GEN: Did you interact with many “true-cornhole” players while filming in Cincinnati? What was their take on the movie?

DH: Because of the way the film was shot, and my character not being an actual player, but the head of American Cornhole, I never actually was on the set for most of the major parts of the tournaments. Another reason I’m very excited to see the finished product.

GEN: Do you think having a cornhole inspired game on the Wii will increase interest in the movie and vice versa?

DH: Oh absolutely. The game is growing massively. Just seeing the press surrounding it and all the various Cornhole related merchandise and brands makes me extremely excited for what the movie will do.

GEN: Does the movie take on the typical aspects of cornhole, such as drinking and tailgating? If not, what can we expect?

DH: Most of the tournament footage took place in bars in Cincinnati, but the movie doesn’t so much take the angle of alcohol being a major part of the story. There is a big stoner that competes in the film, and there was some funny stuff in the script.

GEN: Any ideas or feelings on why the sudden boost of popularity in cornhole?

DH: As my character would say… you don’t have to be in shape, and all you are doing is tossing a bag in a whole a few feet. Anyone can do it.

GEN: Any good side stories while filming? On set pranks? Cornhole jokes?

DH: Well with a name like Cornhole you gotta know that jokes and different innuendos are all over the movie. Filming the movie was an incredible amount of fun because of how excited Cincinnati was to have a motion picture not only being filmed in the city, but using so many local references and sponsorships. We had an entire bar rented with local media coverage and a red carpet for the wrap party. I can only imagine how cool it will be when the movie has it’s premiere in Cinci. The film used amazingly talented people not only as actors but as improv comedians also. So many random things happened on the set that weren’t planned I’m very excited to see how much of it ends up in the final product.

GEN: After filming and learning about the game, are you a fan? Do you play now (if you didn’t before)?

DH: My level of playing is about the same sadly. I’m just not good at it. Maybe I should drink a little more next time I try it. I think that’s the key for some people.

GEN: Will the movie be out in major theaters, and when?DH: The powers that be are pretty tight lipped about all that now. They aren’t leaking the film to anyone at this point. All I know is that it’s scheduled for a 2008 release.GEN: Thanks so much for your time and answers Drew, we really appreciate it!!

Oh, and check out these GEN-appropriate pictures of Drew I found on his Myspace.

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