Sony has released a new look at “Father Stu,” the long-awaited “passion project” of Mark Wahlberg (“The Departed,” “Planet of the Apes”) which centers on the life of boxer-turned-priest Stuart Long. The film, releasing April 13, features Academy Award Winner® Mel Gibson (“Braveheart,” “Lethal Weapon”), Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook”), and Teresa Ruiz (“Narcos”).
In the new preview, the Academy Award-nominated actor talks about why the story is so dear to him.
“He felt like he was touched by God, which was the catalyst for him being so extremely committed to serving God that he was actually going to dedicate the rest of his life to become a priest,” he said. “As his physicality started to deteriorate, his spirituality started to soar. It made his mission to bring hope that much more clear.”
Read More: Mark Wahlberg to Write and Star in Faith-Based Film ‘Stu’
Wahlberg continued, saying the film is “a passion project for me. I wanted to honor Stu’s legacy and the courage and the conviction that he had.”
The official synopsis of “Father Stu” follows:
Based on a true story, “Father Stu” is an unflinchingly honest, funny and ultimately uplifting drama about a lost soul who finds his purpose in a most unexpected place. When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) moves to L.A. dreaming of stardom. While scraping by as a supermarket clerk, he meets Carmen (Teresa Ruiz), a Catholic Sunday school teacher who seems immune to his bad-boy charm. Determined to win her over, the longtime agnostic starts going to church to impress her. But surviving a terrible motorcycle accident leaves him wondering if he can use his second chance to help others find their way, leading to the surprising realization that he is meant to be a Catholic priest. Despite a devastating health crisis and the skepticism of Church officials and his estranged parents (Mel Gibson and Jacki Weaver), Stu pursues his vocation with courage and compassion, inspiring not only those closest to him but countless others along the way.
DEWAYNE HAMBY is a communications specialist and longtime journalist covering faith-based music, entertainment, books, and the retail industry. He is the author of the book “Gratitude Adjustment.” Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or InstaGram.
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