Robert Redford brings his passion project to the big screen with 'A Walk in the Woods'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The new movie "A Walk in the Woods" is based on the true story of travel writer Bill Bryson, who decided he wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail - all 2,200 miles of it.

Actor and producer Robert Redford has wanted to make this story a movie for a long time. He says at least 13 years.

"It was a passion that I had to see this story brought to the screen, I thought, would be a wonderful thing," he said.

Originally, Redford wanted to make "A Walk in the Woods" with his good friend Paul Newman. Together, they'd had big hits, first with "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in 1969, and then "The Sting" four years later.

"By the time this thing came about, the age difference was a factor - 14 years between Paul and I - and also the fact that his physical health was in decline. So he was the one that said, 'I think it'd be too much to get out here and do this.' So the moment that happened, it went right to Nick," Redford said.

Redford is talking about Nick Nolte. He plays a friend from the past who agrees to join Redford's character on the hike.

In this age of so many movies aimed at teenagers and young adults, Redford is proud that this project sees beyond that.

"But I felt that this was serving an audience that wasn't being served," he said. "It was an under-served audience, the older people, and that this was the perfect project for older people to get back into the theater. Let's hope that happens."

"A Walk in the Woods" is rated "R." It opens on Sept. 2.