The Unbreakable Boy is an upcoming American drama film[1] directed and written by Jon Gunn. It is based on the book The Unbreakable Boy: A Father's Fear, a Son's Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love, authored by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory, which is based on a true story.[2][3][4] The film stars Zachary Levi in the lead role.

The Unbreakable Boy
Theatrical release poster with the original 2022 release window
Directed byJon Gunn
Written byJon Gunn
Based onThe Unbreakable Boy: A Father's Fear, a Son's Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love
by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyKristopher Kimlin
Edited byParker Adams
Music byPancho Burgos-Goizueta
Production
company
Distributed byLionsgate
Release date
  • February 21, 2025 (2025-02-21) (United States)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Lionsgate announced a feature-length film based on the book in November 2020, with Gunn attached as director. Filming began that same month, and wrapped up in December.

After being delayed from its original March 2022 release date, the film is scheduled to be released by Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate[2][5][6][7] on February 21, 2025.[8]

Premise

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Austin is a disabled boy who has brittle bone disease and autism. His father, Scott, always keeps Austin happy.[2][9][10]

Cast

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  • Zachary Levi as Scott LeRette, Austin's father
  • Jacob Laval as Austin LeRette, a disabled autistic boy who has brittle bone disease
    • Roy Jackson Miller as Austin LeRette (age 2)
  • Meghann Fahy as Teresa
  • Peter Facinelli as Preacher Rick
  • Drew Powell
  • Gavin Warren as Logan LeRette
  • Pilot Bunch as Tyler
  • Patricia Heaton
  • Amy Acker as Lori
  • Sarah Dean as Extra
  • Todd Terry as Dick
  • Kevin Downes as Lyle
  • Mattie Ward and Justin Russell as AA Members
  • Bruce Davis as Autism Doctor
  • Ashtyn Barlow Nguyen as Cheerleader
  • Lena Harmon as Doctor
  • Alexandra Swanbeck as Nurse

Production

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The Unbreakable Boy was announced on November 13, 2020 by the Erwin brothers.[11] Four days later, it was announced that Zachary Levi would star in the film.[12] Another three days later, it was announced that Jacob Laval, Meghann Fahy, Peter Facinelli, Drew Powell, Pilot Bunch, and Patricia Heaton have joined the cast.[13]

Filming

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Filming began in Oklahoma during the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020, and wrapped in late 2020.[5]

Post-production

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On November 29, 2021, it was announced that Pancho Burgos-Goizueta would score the film.[7]

Release

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The film was initially scheduled to be released in the United States on March 18, 2022,[2][5][6][7] but was pulled from Lionsgate's release schedule eight days before its release without a new release date.[14] In January 2024, after being undated for over two years, the film was given its current release date.[8]

References

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  1. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (November 17, 2020). "Zachary Levi Joins 'The Unbreakable Boy' Movie From Lionsgate & Kingdom Story Company". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 30, 2021). "Lionsgate Dates Nicolas Cage Satire 'Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' & Kingdom Story Movies". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  3. ^ Kostopoulos, Elyssa (November 19, 2020). "Film, 'The Unbreakable Boy', starring Zachary Levi, shares the raucously tender, true story of living with a debilitating condition". RUSSH. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  4. ^ LeRette, Scott Michael; Flory, Susy (2018). The Unbreakable Boy. HarperCollins. ISBN 9781400207565.
  5. ^ a b c McDonnell, Bandy (July 3, 2021). "Release dates revealed for 'American Underdog' and 'Unbreakable Boy', more Oklahoma movie news". The Oklahoman. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  6. ^ a b "'Downtown Abbey 2' Pushed From Holiday Release to March 2022 Debut". MSN. Retrieved July 18, 2022.[dead link]
  7. ^ a b c "Pancho Burgos-Goizueta Scoring Jon Gunn's 'The Unbreakable Boy'". Film Music Reporter. November 29, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (2024-01-24). "Lionsgate Sets Winter 2025 Release For Kingdom Story's 'The Unbreakable Boy'". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  9. ^ Vlessing, Etan (November 17, 2020). "Zachary Levi to Star in 'The Unbreakable Boy' Drama". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  10. ^ McNary, Dave (November 17, 2020). "Zachary Levi to Star in 'The Unbreakable Boy' Family Drama for Lionsgate". Variety. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  11. ^ "Erwin Brothers Announce New Film 'The Unbreakable Boy' About Inspiring, Optimistic Boy With Autism". BCNN1- Black Christian News Network. November 13, 2020. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  12. ^ Welk, Brian (November 17, 2020). "Zachary Levi to Star as Father of Autistic Son in 'The Unbreakable Boy'". TheWrap. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  13. ^ D'Nuka, Amanda (November 20, 2020). "Jacob Laval, Meghann Fahy, Peter Facinelli, Patricia Heaton & More Join Zachary Levi in 'The Unbreakable Boy'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  14. ^ Bonfield, Thomas (March 10, 2022). "Release of 'The Unbreakable Boy' Pushed Back". Christian Film Blog. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
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