‘Nothing but Grace’: Shia LaBeouf on Becoming Padre Pio for Upcoming Biopic
By Movieguide® Contributor
In a video last summer, actor Shia LaBeouf described how his encounter with real-life monks touched his heart as he prepared for his role as Padre Pio in the upcoming biopic on the saint.
“I’m completely immersed in something way bigger than myself. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a group of men as immersed in anything in my life. It’s super attractive to see people give themselves to something so divine. And it’s heartwarming to know that there’s a brotherhood like this that exists,” LaBeouf said.
In 2006, LaBeouf attended the Movieguide® awards for his starring role in THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED and was a guest presenter at the show.
In this movie, the actor stars as Padre Pio, an Italian saint who lived in the 20th century. This movie, currently in post-production, centers around the saint’s young life and will be directed by Abel Ferrara.
“He’s a monk from Puglia,” Ferrara explains. “It’s set in Italy right after World War I. He’s now a saint. He had stigmata. He was also in the middle of a very heavy political period in world history.”
Padre Pio rose to fame in the Catholic world because of the stigmata—“wounds corresponding to those experienced by Jesus Christ during the crucifixion,” The Christian Post explains.
In preparation for the role, LaBeouf spent time in a Franciscan Capuchin friary in Burlingame, California.
Though raised by a Jewish mother and Christian father, he at one point claimed to not believe in God. However, LaBeouf became a Christian while filming FURY, starring Brad Pitt and David Ayer, but his faith has been on and off since then.
During his time with the monks, the actor went on a pilgrimage to the Italian town where Padre Pio lived and served. He met “nothing but grace” from the monks he encountered along the way.
Ferrara shared, “For Shia, he began to know Pio just as he was discovering his own Christianity. With this film, he took a dip in the dark. He threw himself. He went to live in a monastery for months. He shared time with his brothers. It was a very powerful discovery.”
Continue to pray for LaBeouf as he continues on his faith journey.
Movieguide® previously reported on LaBeouf’s faith life:
Former Christian actor Shia LaBeouf scored box office success with his independent movie, THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON.
The movie contains themes of friendship, discussions of the Christian faith and even a scene with a baptism.
The Hollywood Reporter notes, “Through Sunday, Peanut Butter Falcon — a modern-day twist on Huckleberry Finn — has grossed $20 million in the U.S. to become the top platform release of the year to date.”
During press for the movie, LaBeouf revealed that he no longer believes in God, after reportedly coming to Christ on the set of the 2014 movie FURY.
Movieguide® previously reported that LaBeouf, who rose to fame on the Disney Channel series EVEN STEVENS, was filming HONEY BOY about his life when friend and PEANUT BUTTER FALCON co-star Zack Gottsagen, asked him about God. The Christian Post shares:
“We were getting ready to do a scene, and Zack said, ‘Do you believe in God?’ And I thought, no f—— way are you about to explain God to me, Zack.’ LaBeouf tried to keep it together as his voice jumped an octave. ‘Zack said, ‘Even if He’s not real, what does it hurt?’” LaBeouf continued.
He added, “I don’t believe in God. But, did I see God? Did I hear God? Through Zack, yeah. He met me with love, and at the time, love was truth, and he didn’t pull punches. I’m grateful, not even on some cheeseball s— trying to sell a movie. In real life. That motherf—– is magical.”
Gottsagen has high-functioning Down Syndrome and was able to have some very frank conversations with LeBeouf.
LaBeouf was arrested during filming for THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON, and Gottsagen said he was very disappointed.
LaBeouf said that Gottsagen’s “straight-shooting” with him “probably changed the course of his life.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
