Arriving just in time to be an attractive four-quadrant option for family outings to the megaplexes during the holiday season — provided, of course, that the latest Covid surge doesn’t cause another round of movie theater shuttering — “American Underdog” is a thoroughly predictable yet hugely entertaining sports biopic that is bound to please almost anyone who’s not a sourball cynic or a snarky critic.
Much of its appeal stems from Zachary Levi’s winningly sincere portrayal of Kurt Warner, the football phenom whose improbable ascent from grocery clerk to NFL superstar by way of a warmup in the Arena League is the sort of true-life story that seems almost too good to be true, even when it’s told as well as it is here.
But while Levi undeniably is the most valuable player, he likely wouldn’t score quite so impressively without a strong supporting-player team that includes Anna Paquin as Brenda,...
Much of its appeal stems from Zachary Levi’s winningly sincere portrayal of Kurt Warner, the football phenom whose improbable ascent from grocery clerk to NFL superstar by way of a warmup in the Arena League is the sort of true-life story that seems almost too good to be true, even when it’s told as well as it is here.
But while Levi undeniably is the most valuable player, he likely wouldn’t score quite so impressively without a strong supporting-player team that includes Anna Paquin as Brenda,...
- 12/24/2021
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner and Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate
So, you’ve survived the big holiday rush and are feeling a bit restless after the big meal. Perhaps you usually recoup by watching one of several football games on the tube that afternoon. But what if you’re not that invested in the match-ups and just want to get out of the house for a bit? Well, why not combine the two by taking in a new flick at the multiplex…one all about football. Oh, but it’s not a fictional tale of a group of “ragtag’ misfits pulling together for a beloved but often cranky coach. No, it’s all true, a sports biopic, but also a love story in the vein of the classic Pride Of The Yankees, minus the disease finale. And unlike that “chestnut,...
So, you’ve survived the big holiday rush and are feeling a bit restless after the big meal. Perhaps you usually recoup by watching one of several football games on the tube that afternoon. But what if you’re not that invested in the match-ups and just want to get out of the house for a bit? Well, why not combine the two by taking in a new flick at the multiplex…one all about football. Oh, but it’s not a fictional tale of a group of “ragtag’ misfits pulling together for a beloved but often cranky coach. No, it’s all true, a sports biopic, but also a love story in the vein of the classic Pride Of The Yankees, minus the disease finale. And unlike that “chestnut,...
- 12/23/2021
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
‘American Underdog’ Trailer: Zachary Levi’s Kurt Warner Needs to Prove Himself to Rams Coach (Video)
In the first trailer for "American Underdog," Kurt Warner (played by Zachary Levi) is called into the office of St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz and is grilled about why he should get the chance to be the team's starting quarterback.
"Go ahead then, tell me," Martz, as played by Chance Kelly, says. "Why a team worth $800 million and with the most complex offense ever built should put you in the driver's seat? You're too old to be a rookie, too green to be a pro. So why in the world would I give you this shot?"
"American Underdog" is a biopic about Warner and how he went from being a grocery store clerk to becoming a Super Bowl champion and Mvp. The trailer even shows Levi as Warner stocking shelves and looking fondly at a Wheaties box with a picture of Dan Marino on it. When a colleague asks...
"Go ahead then, tell me," Martz, as played by Chance Kelly, says. "Why a team worth $800 million and with the most complex offense ever built should put you in the driver's seat? You're too old to be a rookie, too green to be a pro. So why in the world would I give you this shot?"
"American Underdog" is a biopic about Warner and how he went from being a grocery store clerk to becoming a Super Bowl champion and Mvp. The trailer even shows Levi as Warner stocking shelves and looking fondly at a Wheaties box with a picture of Dan Marino on it. When a colleague asks...
- 9/21/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
On Thursday at CinemaCon, Lionsgate said that it is opening the Erwin Brothers-directed American Underdog on Christmas Day. The pic was previously set to open on December 10, with the release timed to the climax of the NFL season.
“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, chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group.
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback.
“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, chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group.
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback.
- 8/26/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate is making a play for the Christmas holiday at the box office, with American Underdog debuting in theaters Dec. 25.
American Underdog stars Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner, the real-life NFL quarterback who went from grocery story stockboy to two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champ and hall of famer. Anna Paquin stars as Brenda Warner and Dennis Quaid plays Dick Vermeil. The studio announced the release of the inspirational movie at CinemaCon Thursday.
“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 ...
American Underdog stars Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner, the real-life NFL quarterback who went from grocery story stockboy to two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champ and hall of famer. Anna Paquin stars as Brenda Warner and Dennis Quaid plays Dick Vermeil. The studio announced the release of the inspirational movie at CinemaCon Thursday.
“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 ...
- 8/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Lionsgate is making a play for the Christmas holiday at the box office, with American Underdog debuting in theaters Dec. 25.
American Underdog stars Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner, the real-life NFL quarterback who went from grocery story stockboy to two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champ and hall of famer. Anna Paquin stars as Brenda Warner and Dennis Quaid plays Dick Vermeil. The studio announced the release of the inspirational movie at CinemaCon Thursday.
“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 ...
American Underdog stars Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner, the real-life NFL quarterback who went from grocery story stockboy to two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champ and hall of famer. Anna Paquin stars as Brenda Warner and Dennis Quaid plays Dick Vermeil. The studio announced the release of the inspirational movie at CinemaCon Thursday.
“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 ...
- 8/26/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner and Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner in American Underdog. Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy/Lionsgate
Lionsgate has released this first look at American Undedog, due out in cinemas later this year.
The film chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
The film chronicles Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player, and when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is inside. American Underdog is an inspirational story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith,...
Lionsgate has released this first look at American Undedog, due out in cinemas later this year.
The film chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
The film chronicles Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player, and when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is inside. American Underdog is an inspirational story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith,...
- 7/8/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen have signed on for the Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin-directed sports drama, American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story, along with Ser’Darius Blain, Adam Baldwin, Bruce McGill, Danny Vinson, Chance Kelly, and Hayden Zaller. The new additions join Zachary Levi in the role of Kurt Warner and Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay based on interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. The pic chronicles Kurt’s journey from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Quaid will play St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil, while Kelly playing the Rams’ offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. Madsen will play Sue Warner,...
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay based on interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. The pic chronicles Kurt’s journey from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Quaid will play St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil, while Kelly playing the Rams’ offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. Madsen will play Sue Warner,...
- 1/19/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Anna Paquin has joined the cast of “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story,” the biopic about the all-star NFL quarterback that will star Zachary Levi.
Paquin in the film will play Warner’s wife Brenda Warner.
Lionsgate is releasing “American Underdog,” the next film under the Kingdom Story Company banner and from directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin.
The drama is a biopic and sports film about the life of Kurt Warner and how he went from humble roots stocking supermarket shelves to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Famer. David Aaron Cohen (“Friday Night Lights”) wrote the screenplay with Jon Gun and Jon Erwin, and the screenplay is based on interviews with Warner and his own memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season.”
The Erwin brothers and Kevin Downes are producing for Kingdom Story, as will Mark Ciardi, known for...
Paquin in the film will play Warner’s wife Brenda Warner.
Lionsgate is releasing “American Underdog,” the next film under the Kingdom Story Company banner and from directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin.
The drama is a biopic and sports film about the life of Kurt Warner and how he went from humble roots stocking supermarket shelves to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Famer. David Aaron Cohen (“Friday Night Lights”) wrote the screenplay with Jon Gun and Jon Erwin, and the screenplay is based on interviews with Warner and his own memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season.”
The Erwin brothers and Kevin Downes are producing for Kingdom Story, as will Mark Ciardi, known for...
- 1/13/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: We have just learned that The Piano Best Oscar winner Anna Paquin has landed the lead in Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate’s American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story opposite Zachary Levi.
The drama, which Lionsgate is releasing, chronicles the 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. Paquin will play Brenda Warner, Kurt’s wife.
The feature is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe), and it’s 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 are co-producing.
American Underdog re-teams Levi with brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin, who are directing the movie. Levi recently starred in...
The drama, which Lionsgate is releasing, chronicles the 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. Paquin will play Brenda Warner, Kurt’s wife.
The feature is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe), and it’s 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 are co-producing.
American Underdog re-teams Levi with brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin, who are directing the movie. Levi recently starred in...
- 1/13/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
6 Jan 2002: Kurt Warner of the St.Louis Rams during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Dome at America’s Center in St.Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Falcons 31-13. Credit: Elsa/Getty Images
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. The film will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and is expected to begin production later this year.
American Underdog will be Levi’s next project, teaming him with the Erwin Brothers (Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin), who will direct and produce through their Kingdom banner. The film is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe). Mark Ciardi is producing. The film is also produced by Kevin Downes. The screenplay will be based upon...
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. The film will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and is expected to begin production later this year.
American Underdog will be Levi’s next project, teaming him with the Erwin Brothers (Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin), who will direct and produce through their Kingdom banner. The film is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe). Mark Ciardi is producing. The film is also produced by Kevin Downes. The screenplay will be based upon...
- 7/1/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Shazam!” star Zachary Levi is set to star as two-time NFL Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner in the biopic “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story,” it was announced Wednesday by Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate.
“I Still Believe” directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin are directing the sports biopic “American Underdog” that will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and that expects to begin production later this year.
“American Underdog” is Levi’s next project, and the drama chronicles the true story of Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp.
Also Read: Zachary Levi to Star in Music-Driven Family Comedy 'Undercover' With Cole Sprouse at Lionsgate
The Erwin brothers are also producing through their Kingdom Story banner. David Aaron Cohen of “Friday Night Lights” fame wrote the film along with the Erwin brothers based on interviews with Warner as well as his own memoir,...
“I Still Believe” directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin are directing the sports biopic “American Underdog” that will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and that expects to begin production later this year.
“American Underdog” is Levi’s next project, and the drama chronicles the true story of Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp.
Also Read: Zachary Levi to Star in Music-Driven Family Comedy 'Undercover' With Cole Sprouse at Lionsgate
The Erwin brothers are also producing through their Kingdom Story banner. David Aaron Cohen of “Friday Night Lights” fame wrote the film along with the Erwin brothers based on interviews with Warner as well as his own memoir,...
- 7/1/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Zachary Levi is tackling the role of NFL Mvp and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner in the forthcoming American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story biopic from Lionsgate and I Still Believe producer Kingdom Story Company. The Erwin Brothers — Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin — will direct the film, which is expected to being production this year.
The brothers will also produce through their Kingdom banner, alongside Mark Ciardi and Kevin Downes. Kurt and Brenda Warner will co-produce.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay, which is based on interviews with Warner and his memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. It chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Kingdom Story and Lionsgate have been ramping up their faith-inspired canon.
The brothers will also produce through their Kingdom banner, alongside Mark Ciardi and Kevin Downes. Kurt and Brenda Warner will co-produce.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay, which is based on interviews with Warner and his memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. It chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Kingdom Story and Lionsgate have been ramping up their faith-inspired canon.
- 7/1/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Erwin Brothers To Direct Kurt Warner Biopic, ‘Friday Night Lights’ Scribe David Aaron Cohen To Write
Super Bowl Mvp and football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner is about to get the biopic treatment. Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin’s Kingdom Story Company (the forthcoming I Still Believe) closed a deal for American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story, which will chronicle the true story of the football legend, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback.
The Erwin Brothers will direct and write with Friday Night Lights scribe David Aaron Cohen. The brothers will also produce via their Kingdom banner alongside partner Kevin Downes. The film has been fast-tracked for production and will be distributed wide by Lionsgate on December 18. 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. They are currently casting...
The Erwin Brothers will direct and write with Friday Night Lights scribe David Aaron Cohen. The brothers will also produce via their Kingdom banner alongside partner Kevin Downes. The film has been fast-tracked for production and will be distributed wide by Lionsgate on December 18. 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. They are currently casting...
- 2/4/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate is developing a biopic about retired NFL player Kurt Warner.
The faith-based sports pic “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” hits theaters on Dec. 18.
Jon and Andrew Erwin will direct the film, written by David Aaron Cohen (“Friday Night Lights”), Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin. The Erwin brothers will produce through their Kingdom Story Company alongside partner Kevin Downes. Kurt and Brenda Warner will co-produce.
Warner played in the NFL from 1994 to 2008, and is regarded as one of the top undrafted players in NFL history. He was a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback.
The screenplay is based on interviews with Warner, as well as his memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season.”
“For the longest time I dreamed of having a story similar to many of my heroes, but as my journey began to stray further and further from that path,...
The faith-based sports pic “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” hits theaters on Dec. 18.
Jon and Andrew Erwin will direct the film, written by David Aaron Cohen (“Friday Night Lights”), Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin. The Erwin brothers will produce through their Kingdom Story Company alongside partner Kevin Downes. Kurt and Brenda Warner will co-produce.
Warner played in the NFL from 1994 to 2008, and is regarded as one of the top undrafted players in NFL history. He was a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback.
The screenplay is based on interviews with Warner, as well as his memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season.”
“For the longest time I dreamed of having a story similar to many of my heroes, but as my journey began to stray further and further from that path,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate has greenlit and is fast-tracking a biopic based on the life of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl Mvp Kurt Warner from the writer of “Friday Night Lights” and the directors, writers and production banner behind the faith-based hit “I Can Only Imagine.”
“American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” will be the next film from the Erwin Brothers, Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin, and their Kingdom Story Company banner. The movie will be fast-tracked for production by Lionsgate and slated for wide release on December 18, 2020. Casting is underway now for the film, including for leads Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda Warner.
“American Underdog” will follow the life story of Warner from a young man stocking shelves at a supermarket and undrafted free agent in the NFL to how he became a two-time NFL Mvp quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants.
“American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” will be the next film from the Erwin Brothers, Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin, and their Kingdom Story Company banner. The movie will be fast-tracked for production by Lionsgate and slated for wide release on December 18, 2020. Casting is underway now for the film, including for leads Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda Warner.
“American Underdog” will follow the life story of Warner from a young man stocking shelves at a supermarket and undrafted free agent in the NFL to how he became a two-time NFL Mvp quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants.
- 2/4/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
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