Zachary Levi to Star as NFL Quarterback Kurt Warner in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story This December


 


Inspirational true stories are always great to see on the big screen and it looks like that is the case with the upcoming sports biopic American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story set to release this December starring Zachary Levi. Based on the true-life story of Kurt Warner who started out stocking shelves in a grocery store and rose to fame as an NFL Quarterback as a late bloomer this story is set to tell the tale of the insurmountable obstacles Warner had to face in his incredible journey to the NFL. Zachary Levi, star of Chuck and Shazam brings to life Kurt Warner on the big-screen in what looks to be a transformative performance by Levi rendering him unrecognisable from his other iconic characters Chuck Bartowski and Billy Batson/Shazam. 

 


 

The true-life story of Kurt Warner is one that has inspired millions including Levi himself as he is quoted:

"When I was a kid watching Kurt Warner play football, everybody knew the story. He was working out at the supermarket and then plays arena football. Then gets into the NFL. He wins the freakin Superbowl.” 

 


 

Levi’s enthusiasm for the role is clear and it will be interesting to see him tackle the role with him clearly being in shape to play an NFL Quarterback post his Shazam bodybuilding training. This role shows just how far he has progressed as an actor since Chuck both physically and acting-wise as he has in the time since that series wrapped showed how much range has as an actor the role of the true-life hero Kurt Warner included. The script is penned by Friday Night Lights writer David Aaron Cohen and the cast includes heavyweights like Dennis Quaid and Adam Baldwin (note the mini Chuck reunion). The official synopsis for the film reads:

 


 

“American Underdog 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, family and determination.”

 



 





American Underdog has a lot of potential with Levi in the lead role with the biopic having the capability to appeal to sports and non-sports fans alike. Anybody who has seen The Blind Side (2009), with Sandra Bullock knows you don’t have to be an expert in sports to appreciate the powerful storytelling that can come from engaging true stories based in the sports world. The same is true here and with a supporting cast including Dennis Quaid and Adam Baldwin you know the drama is going to be rich with plenty of opportunity for humor. Zachary Levi seems to be shaping out his acting resume quite nicely as post-Shazam his star has been on the rise with Levi landing roles in projects that find him exercising both his comedic and dramatic acting chops. In my mind, it seems like Zachary Levi may be turning into the next Tom Hanks, like Levi, a very theatrical, enthusiastic, and energetic talent that effortlessly bounces back and forth between the realms of comedy and high-level drama. So moving forward I look forward to seeing what kinds of roles Zachary Levi tackles next and if his start in TV on Chuck is any comedic parallel to Hank’s starring role on the sitcom Family Ties, and Levi’s first leading blockbuster superhero role in Shazam is any parallel to Hanks’s breakout comedy Big (1982), Levi’s career may be going through a progression from comedy to prestigious drama similar to that of Hank’s filmography; however I just hope Levi doesn’t forgo his comedic acting roles one day in favor of dramatic roles as I believe the best of both worlds is what will be the key to unlocking the full potential of Levi’s potential on the big screen. 

 



 

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