Mark Wahlberg is set to headline a new comedy film titled Weekend Warriors, a remake of the German sports comedy Weekend Rebels. The project, acquired by Apple Original Films, will be penned and helmed by Stephen Chobsky, known for his work on The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Wahlberg’s recent roles span various genres, including the recently released Netflix action-spy film The Union and the survival drama Flight Risk directed by Mel Gibson. He has also appeared in Arthur the King, The Family Plan, and Father Stu.
The German original Weekend Rebels, directed by Marc Rothemund and produced by Wiedemann & Berg Film, was released in 2023. It tells the story of a father and his son with autism who embarks on a journey to attend matches of every team in the Premiere Soccer League, driven by the son’s quest to discover his favorite team.
In contrast, the English adaptation will shift the focus from soccer to basketball, reflecting an NBA setting. This adjustment aligns with the involvement of Plan B and The SpringHill Company, co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. The film’s new basketball backdrop is expected to provide access to NBA teams for filming purposes.
The transition from soccer to basketball raises speculation about LeBron James potentially joining the cast, given his previous acting roles in Trainwreck and House Party. The full cast for Weekend Warriors remains unannounced.
Weekend Rebels received a mixed response for its portrayal of autism, a topic that has sparked significant discussion and critique in recent years. Films like Sia’s Music faced backlash for their portrayal of autism, emphasizing the need for Weekend Warriors to approach the subject with sensitivity and accuracy.
Mark Wahlberg’s previous performance in The Family Plan, where he portrayed a suburban dad with a secret life, showcased his ability to blend charisma with complex roles. Despite mixed reviews, the film achieved a record-setting debut on Apple TV+, suggesting that Wahlberg’s involvement could boost the success of Weekend Warriors.
As the film progresses through development, it will be closely watched for its handling of the subject matter and its potential impact in the comedy genre.
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