Premiering at this year’s Dallas International Film Festival, The Salamander King is a heartwarming, offbeat comedy that pays tribute to the quirky charm of Austin, Texas. The story follows a group of lovable misfits working at a scrappy public golf course called Muny as they band together to protect their home turf from encroaching development. It’s a classic “save the rec center” tale with a Texas twist—and a whole lot of heart.
We sat down with the film’s director, Austin Nichols, who many will recognize from his roles in Wimbledon, Ray Donovan, and The Village. A proud Austin native, Nichols brings a deep affection for his hometown and a passion for offbeat storytelling to this debut feature film. “When I moved back to Austin during COVID, my friend Drew Mackintosh pitched the idea,” Nichols said. “We originally thought it might be a TV show, but eventually decided to just go for it as a film—and I’m so glad we did. I never thought my first movie would be a comedy, but I fell in love with the genre during this process.”
The film draws inspiration from the real-life Lions Municipal Golf Course—a beloved public course that’s long been the subject of preservation campaigns. Though fictionalized, Muny echoes that spirit of community and resistance. “We wanted to capture the essence of a place that matters to people, especially in a city that’s growing and changing so fast,” Nichols explained.
The cast is as eclectic as the course itself, with standout performances from Ryan Hanson who plays Ray, the laid-back golf pro turned titular Salamander King; Adrianne Palicki as Samantha, the outsider sent to shut it all down; and a host of scene-stealing characters played by Dulcé Sloan, Justin Chatwin, and more. “We wanted this to feel like a true found family—funny, flawed, and full of heart,” said Nichols. “We had so much fun making it, and now I want to make another comedy!”
The film is a true love letter to Austin—its landscapes, its weirdness, and its people. With Nichols’ personal knowledge of hidden gems around the city and a story fueled by passion, humor, and community, The Salamander King is a must-see premiere at DIFF. Don’t miss it.
