The uplifting new film “Unsung Hero” brings singer Joel Smallbone’s real-life family story to the big screen. Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company recently revealed the official trailer for the movie, providing the first glimpse into the Smallbone family’s journey from Australia to Nashville in the 1990s.
Joel Smallbone stars as his own father David Smallbone, who uproots his wife and seven children in search of a better life after his business fails in Australia. With suitcases and a shared love of music, the Smallbones arrive in Nashville and face the struggles of establishing themselves in a new country.
As seen in the trailer, the entire family pitches in doing odd jobs like raking leaves to stay afloat financially. During this time, daughter Rebecca St. James begins receiving recognition for her singing talent. Rebecca’s budding music career offers hope, eventually leading to her success as a popular recording artist.
Fans of Joel Smallbone’s band, for KING & COUNTRY, will appreciate fun nods to the future fame achieved by Joel and his brother Luke Smallbone. Still children in the movie, they tell their father of their own dreams to land a record deal one day.
In addition to Joel Smallbone in the lead role, “Unsung Hero” boasts an impressive cast of talented actors. Joel is joined on screen by his real-life brother Luke Smallbone, who serves as a producer. Other cast members include Daisy Betts as the Smallbone family matriarch, Helen. Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn, and Hillary Scott also feature in supporting roles. With experienced performers inhabiting each role, the cast helps bring the Smallbone family’s journey to life. Fans will enjoy seeing the mix of established actors and the real-life Smallbone siblings collaborating to share this inspirational true story.
The trailer provides a compelling preview of the Smallbones’ real-life journey, driven by faith and family. With Joel Smallbone steering the project as star, co-director and co-writer, “Unsung Hero” promises an authentic, uplifting story when it hits theaters on April 26, 2024.
