If you’re an NFL fan who has seen your team get lit up by the rocket arm of quarterback Kurt Warner, then you probably know his story. Going from supermarket clerk to Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Warner’s remarkable journey is coming to the big screen in American Underdog, and we’re getting our first look at Zachary Levi in the starring role.
Levi is seen suited up in Kurt Warner’s St. Louis Rams uniform, along with Anna Paquin as Kurt’s wife Brenda, and Dennis Quaid as head coach Dick Vermeil. It was in 1999 as a member of the Rams under coach Vermeil that Warner, who had been a forgotten backup QB, was thrust into the starting role and led the team to a miraculous Super Bowl victory. He led one of the most high-powered offenses in NFL history, dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
Integral to Warner’s success was his faith, and the film will delve into that aspect of his life, as well. The Christian-themed sports drama is directed by Jon and Andrew Erwin, who have developed a number of hit faith-based films including 2018’s I Can Only Imagine.
I’ll never forget the way Warner shredded my Chicago Bears with five touchdowns in his final NFL season in 2009. Warner wasn’t a player I liked very much, because he was always such a tough out, but his story is definitely big-screen worthy. This one will be worth a look.
American Underdog opens on December 10th. Check out more photos and a first-look featurette below.
