Hut, Hut, Hike! With plenty of time to go before having to slip back into Shazam's red pajamas, Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate announced today that Zachary Levi will star as two-time NFL MVP and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.
Teaming with Levi for his next project are the Erwin Brothers (Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin), who will direct and produce by way of their Kingdom banner. Tasked with writing the film is David Aaron Cohen (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS), Jon Gunn (I STILL BELIEVE), and Jon Erwin. Meanwhile, Mark Ciardi (INVINCIBLE, THE ROOKIE) is producing alongside Kevin Downes. The screenplay will be based upon interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season. Kurt Warner and Brenda Warner will co-produce.
The drama chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
“Kurt’s story is one of relentless faith – in his own abilities but even more so in a higher power,” said Levi. “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.”
“Zachary was our first and only choice,” said Jon Erwin. “He brings a combination of humble charm and charisma as well as an intense physicality to the role. 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."
Added Andrew Erwin, "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.”
Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate are committed to a long-term partnership to provide event-level entertainment for audiences of faith. As such, The Kurt Warner Story will act as the third film to be greenlit by Lionsgate in the last 12 months.
While I am wholly out of the loop with regard to all things sports, I'm sure that Warner's fans will be delighted to hear that the athlete's journey toward becoming an NFL icon will soon be a major motion picture. We'll be sure to bring you more details about this project as it comes together.
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