Zachary Levi on AMERICAN UNDERDOG: ‘Fight Against the Odds With the Faith and Ferocity of A LION’
By Movieguide® Staff
The first trailer finally dropped for the upcoming Erwin Brother’s biopic AMERICAN UNDERDOG, set to premiere exclusively in theaters on Christmas day.
The movie, which follows the life of NFL icon Kurt Warner, stars SHAZAM! actor Zachary Levi in the lead role as the grocery store employee turned hall-of-fame quarterback.
Movieguide® previously reported:
The Erwin Brothers acquired Warner’s life rights under the Kingdom Story banner and are basing the screenplay off of interviews from Warner’s career and his memoir All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season.
“For our last several films, we have brought inspiring real life stories to the big screen and there is something magnificent and magical to Kurt’s rise as a champion,” Jon Erwin said.
The Erwin Brothers say Levi is a perfect fit to portray Warner.
“This is about an everyman who never let his dream die. Zachary was born to play this role — and when you add in his uncanny resemblance to Kurt Warner, we’re thrilled to be working with him,” Andy Erwin said.
Levi recently took to Instagram to share his thoughts behind the upcoming movie and why AMERICAN UNDERDOG is the movie children, men and women need to see this year.
“I like to believe that kids are the closest to our creator,” Levi wrote. “Often, their still unjaded soul can seem to tune in to understanding what they’re very purpose and destiny are. Who they are meant to be, and what they are meant to do, in this life. But that journey is never an easy one, as the world has an incredible knack for bruising our souls, and tuning us out from that which we know beyond knowing is our actual calling.
“I also like to think that if, as we age, we can hold on to that vision and conviction in our hearts and minds, and fight against the pain, against the fears, against the doubts, against the doubters, and against the odds, with the faith and ferocity of a LION, then maybe, just maybe, that promise is fulfilled,” he added. “And in ways that you could not possibly imagine. And inspire anyone who’s lucky enough to hear about it.
“This is that kinda story. And more. And I really hope y’all get a chance to see it this Christmas,” the post concluded.
THE STAR actor is vocal about his faith and said it was a no-brainer when the Erwin brothers approached him to play Warner.
“Kurt’s story is one of relentless faith – in his own abilities but even more so in a higher power,” Levi said in a previous interview. “When I read Kurt’s story, I identified with the quiet strength he found to persevere – that’s something I think anybody can recognize in their own lives. This is the kind of underdog story that sports movies are all about, and the fact that it’s true makes it even more special. I’m thrilled to be part of bringing his story to audiences.”
View the first trailer of AMERICAN UNDERDOG below:
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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.
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