‘Unbreakable Boy’ Makes April Jump to Home Screens
After its February theatrical run, “The Unbreakable Boy” is headed to living rooms nationwide, with Lionsgate announcing a staggered spring release across digital platforms.
The film hit digital platforms April 4. It goes to Video On Demand April 15 and physical copies arrive in stores April 29.
Based on Scott LeRette’s memoir, the film stars Zachary Levi as a struggling father grappling with his son’s dual diagnosis of autism and brittle bone disease. The real LeRette, speaking from his Nebraska home last week, described watching Levi portray his struggles with addiction and fatherhood.
“Austin absolutely helped me get sober,” LeRette told People Magazine. “My son sees the good in everyone, even when they can’t see it themselves.”
Director Jon Gunn took risks with the PG-rated film, tackling themes rarely seen in family features. “Parents came up to me after screenings, thanking us for not sugar-coating their reality,” Gunn said at a New York press event.
Newcomer Jacob Laval plays Austin opposite Levi and Meghann Fahy, with Patricia Heaton appearing as a family friend. The casting of Laval, who spent months with the real Austin LeRette, drew praise from autism advocacy groups for its authenticity.
Kingdom Story Company, the production team behind recent hits “Jesus Revolution” and “American Underdog,” timed the home release to coincide with Autism Acceptance Month. But producer Kevin Downes bristles at calling it an “issue film.”
“Labels miss the point,” Downes said. “This is about a kid who changed everyone around him just by being himself.”
Early digital orders open next week through major platforms including Amazon and Apple TV.
–Dwight Widaman
