The first trailer for Mark Wahlberg’s latest movie, Father Stu, has landed, which sees Wahlberg playing a boxer who becomes the world’s most unlikely priest.
The real-life story is an unflinchingly honest, funny and ultimately uplifting drama about a lost soul who finds his purpose in a most unexpected place.
The story of redemption, finding yourself and facing challenges also stars Mel Gibson, Jackie Weaver and Teresa Ruiz.
Anyone with dreams that didn’t work out can relate to Stuart Long. But things have a way of working out the way they’re supposed to.
See the story of Father Stu’s life this Easter holiday. #FatherStuMovie @FatherStuMovie For tickets and group sales visit https://t.co/GTyz3wYogf pic.twitter.com/kcfIdznbGr— Mark Wahlberg (@markwahlberg) March 26, 2022
Wahlberg, who is fanatical about keeping fit (check out his Instagram) took a break from his usual training regime, telling ET he put on nearly 14kg in six weeks for the role.
It’s also the second time he and Mel Gibson have played a son and father in a movie (first time was in Daddy’s Home 2).
When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg) moves to LA, 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 realisation that he is meant to be a Catholic priest.
Despite a devastating health crisis and the skepticism of Church officials and his divorced 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.
Father Stu will be exclusively in cinemas in Australia from May 12.
View the official trailer
Main image: Sony Pictures Australia