Rating: PG (American Underdog is rated PG by the MPAA Rated PG for some language and thematic elements.)
Genre: Drama
Writers: David Aaron Cohen, Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn
Directed By: Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin
Release Date: In Theaters – Christmas Day
Runtime: 112 Minutes
Cast: Adam Baldwin, Anna Paquin, Brett Varvel, Bruce McGill, Bryce Bruckbauer, Chance Kelly, Dennis Quaid, Morgana Shaw, Ser'Darius William Blain, Zachary Levi
From the creators of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE and I STILL BELIEVE comes AMERICAN UNDERDOG – the inspiring, true story of how faith, family and determination propelled legendary quarterback Kurt Warner from stocking groceries to Super Bowl MVP and the Pro Football Hall of Fame – debuts in theaters from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company nationwide Dec. 25.
“Kurt and Brenda Warner’s true story of faith and determination deeply inspired Andy and me. We can’t wait for it to inspire audiences all over Canada this Christmas. It’s the perfect time to come together as a family and have your dreams rekindled. If he can accomplish his dream, so can all of us,” said Director and Writer Jon Erwin.
AMERICAN UNDERDOG tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi – SHAZAM!, Chuck), who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Academy Award® winner Anna Paquin – THE PIANO), and the encouragement of his family, coaches and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is inside. AMERICAN UNDERDOG is an uplifting story that demonstrates anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.
“This movie perfectly aligns with the emotions of the holiday season: The power of faith. A drive to bring out the best in all of us. The strength of family. And, of course, the height of the NFL championship season. When you take all of that together, the perfect release date for this movie is Christmas Day, and that’s where we have decided to date it,” said Joe Drake, Chair of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group.
AMERICAN UNDERDOG is directed by the Erwin Brothers (Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin), and they are joined by Kevin Downes to produce through their Kingdom Story Company banner. AMERICAN UNDERDOG also teams the Kingdom filmmakers with producer Mark Ciardi, one of the industry’s top producers of sports films (THE ROOKIE, MIRACLE, SECRETARIAT, MILLION DOLLAR ARM, McFARLAND, USA), whose expertise lends authenticity and excitement to the football action.
In addition to Levi and Paquin, AMERICAN UNDERDOG features Emmy nominee® Dennis Quaid (I CAN ONLY IMAGINE) as St. Louis Rams’ Coach Dick Vermeil.
AMERICAN UNDERDOG is written for the screen by Jon Erwin (I CAN ONLY IMAGINE) & David Aaron Cohen (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) and Jon Gunn (I STILL BELIEVE). The screenplay is based upon interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season by Kurt Warner and Michael Silver. Kurt Warner and Brenda Warner executive produce alongside Tony Young, Jon Gunn and Sean Devereaux.
Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate are engaged in a long-term partnership to provide event-level entertainment for audiences of faith. Along with AMERICAN UNDERDOG, the company has developed and produced THE UNBREAKABLE BOY starring Zachary Levi, a film based on the extraordinary true story of the most inspiring boy you will ever meet and how he touched and changed the lives of those around him. Kingdom has also produced THE JESUS MUSIC, a fascinating documentary about the birth of Christian rock, which rose out of the 1960s counterculture movement to become the worldwide phenomenon we know today.
