Jacob Laval Stars in "The Unbreakable Boy": A Divine Journey of Faith and Resilience
Zachary Levi, the star of the upcoming film "The Unbreakable Boy," believes that the film’s creation and its release were guided by divine timing. In a recent interview, Levi shared, “Everything in our life, every second of every day, I don’t think any of it is a coincidence. This movie wasn’t originally slated to happen the way that it did. I believe in God’s perfect timing, and I believe that this is the perfect time for it to be here.”
Directed by Jon Gunn, known for "Jesus Revolution," and produced by a talented team including Kevin Downes and Jon Erwin, "The Unbreakable Boy" is based on the inspiring book by Scott LeRette and Susy Flory, titled The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love. The film tells the true story of Austin LeRette, a boy with autism and brittle bone disease whose joyful spirit profoundly impacts those around him.
Set against the backdrop of Oklahoma, the movie features a stellar cast, including Levi as Scott LeRette, Meghann Fahy as Teresa, and Jacob Laval as Austin. The film explores themes of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son. Levi, who was initially cast in another project, found his way to "The Unbreakable Boy" when the pandemic altered filming schedules. He recounted, “I read all of the options, and I said, ‘The Unbreakable Boy. That one.’ It was a true story. It’s beautiful and has all the highs and lows of what it means to be human.”
The film is particularly poignant as it highlights the struggles and triumphs of families dealing with autism, a condition that resonates with many today. Levi emphasized the importance of sharing Austin’s story, stating, “This is a film and a story that is deserving to be told… even just it coming into reality was really a God-breathed thing.”
Jacob Laval, who portrays Austin, expressed how stepping into this role impacted him personally. “I learned to never give up and never stop believing,” the young actor shared. He noted that waiting for the film’s release was challenging, but he held onto Austin’s optimistic spirit, believing that “eventually it’ll come out, and it will be amazing.”
Scott LeRette, Austin’s father, described seeing his family’s story on the big screen as surreal and miraculous. “I think faith is an underlying element, a thread of the entire film,” he said, praising director Jon Gunn for weaving faith into the narrative without overwhelming the audience.
The film also features Peter Facinelli, known for his role in "Twilight," who plays Pastor Rick. Facinelli pointed out that the film emphasizes the importance of community and showcases the humanity of pastors, making them relatable during tough times. “Rick was human. He wasn’t someone on a pedestal, but someone going through his own struggles too,” he explained.
Kevin Downes, a producer with Kingdom Story Company, reflected on the emotional weight of the film. “I showed it to a big group the other day. The last 30 minutes, I was a mess. I needed, literally, a box of Kleenex,” he admitted. He praised Jon Gunn for crafting a story that resonates deeply with audiences.
At its core, "The Unbreakable Boy" is about finding joy amid hardship. Scott LeRette encourages those facing similar challenges to embrace their circumstances and advocate for their loved ones. “Humor is a big part of that. Faith and humor—if you don’t have those, you’ll struggle. But if you do, you’ll find joy even in the hardest times,” he said.
As for Zachary Levi, he views his involvement in this project as part of a divine plan. “Almost every job I’ve gotten up to this point is something that found me in some way, which really is God,” he reflected. He believes that the pandemic opened the door for him to take on this meaningful role, which he describes as feeling fated.
"The Unbreakable Boy" is set to hit theaters on February 21, and it promises to be a heartfelt exploration of faith, resilience, and the power of love. For more information about the film, you can visit its official site at The Unbreakable Boy.
As anticipation builds for its release, audiences are encouraged to embrace the film’s message and reflect on their own journeys of faith and perseverance.