Sony Pictures has successfully acquired the worldwide distribution rights to Rosalind Ross’ upcoming biographical drama which has now been titled Father Stu. Sony will officially be releasing the Mark Wahlberg-led film in theaters this Easter weekend, on April 15, which was recently vacated by Ron Howard’s survival biopic Thirteen Lives after it shifted to November 18.

Father Stu‘s new theatrical release will pit the film directly against a high-profile competitor in the form of Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

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“Father’s Stu’s journey from troublemaker to clergyman was inspiring to many, including me,”  Wahlberg said in a statement (via Deadline). “Rosey has done an incredible job capturing the essence of who he was and how he affected the people he met. I hope that with this film, we keep his spirit alive and continue his good works.

Father Stu is loosely inspired by the true story of real-life boxer-turned-priest Father Stuart Long, who turned to the sport of boxing as a release after growing up an angry young man. After his career didn’t take off, Long suffered a horrible motorcycle accident and reportedly had an out-of-body experience which caused him to rediscover his faith and enlist in Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon.

Joining Walhberg are Oscar winner Mel Gibson and Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver along with Teresa Ruiz, Cody Fern, and Niko Nicotera.

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Father Stu is directed and written by Rosalind Ross in her feature directorial debut. It is being produced by Wahlberg and his manager Stephen Levinson, with Miky Lee and Colleen Camp serving as executive producers.



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