The highly anticipated premiere of "The Unbreakable Boy" took place recently in New York City, drawing attention to its powerful themes of hope, resilience, and unconditional love. The film, which features a star-studded cast including Zachary Levi and Patricia Heaton, is inspired by the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy living with autism and brittle bone disease.
Zachary Levi, known for his role in "Shazam", expressed how the film profoundly impacted his understanding of faith and fatherhood. In an interview, he shared, “Every experience you have is a chance to learn more about yourself and others. This film helped me walk in another person’s shoes, deepening my empathy and understanding of life, God, and love.”
Directed by Jon Gunn, who also helmed “Jesus Revolution,” "The Unbreakable Boy" is adapted from the memoir "The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love." The narrative focuses on the journey of a family as they raise a child with special needs, showcasing both the trials and triumphs they face. Levi portrays Scott LeRette, a father struggling with his own past while trying to support his son, Austin, played by Jacob Laval.
As Levi prepares for his own journey into fatherhood, he finds the film’s messages about family and faith to be even more significant. He reflects, “Our children are our mirror—the greatest mirror we will ever look at. I can’t wait for all that to deepen me even more as a human.”
Patricia Heaton, who plays Scott’s mother, emphasized the importance of recognizing each child’s unique gifts. “You want to look at your child as who they are and who God made them, not impose your own expectations on them,” she stated, highlighting the film’s focus on individuality and acceptance.
Initially filmed in Oklahoma in 2020, "The Unbreakable Boy" faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its release now feels timely. Jacob Laval remarked, “I did wait a long time for this, but I believe it came out at the right moment.”
Producer Kevin Downes echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s always a miracle to get a movie made and released. And here we are with ‘The Unbreakable Boy,’ which the movie itself has proven to be—unbreakable.”
While the film emphasizes faith, the creators want audiences to know it’s not strictly a “faith-based film.” Instead, it tells a universal story about gratitude, resilience, and love. Gunn noted, “I hope that everyone who watches this film is inspired by the spirit of Austin and his family. It’s about appreciating every moment, even in struggle.”
The film also aims to authentically represent the autism community. Scott LeRette, the real-life father whose story inspired the film, shared his hopes for broader awareness and understanding. “It’s not just a story about autism; it’s about special needs, addiction, parenting, and marriage. Autism is just one small piece of it.”
As the premiere concluded, the filmmakers expressed their desire for audiences to support the film, encouraging viewers to seek out stories like theirs. "The Unbreakable Boy" is set to hit theaters on February 21, 2025, and promises to be a heartfelt journey that resonates with many.
For more insights on autism awareness and support, visit the Autism Society or explore resources from Autism Speaks.