LeRette’s ‘Unbreakable Boy’ in theaters March 2022

Unbreakable Boy,” adapted from Red Oak native Scott LeRette’s award winning novel, has been given a March 18, 2022, movie release date.

The film, produced by Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, stars Zachary Levi and Patricia Heaton. It was written and directed by Jon Gunn.

“The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love” is about Scott’s son, Austin, born with both a rare brittle-bone disease and autism.

“What makes Austin truly unique is his joyous, funny, life-affirming worldview that transforms and unites everyone around him – especially his dad, Scott (Levi), who changes his life as he comes to see Austin not as the symbol of something broken, but the triumph of an indestructible spirit,” describes movie industry newspaper, Deadline Hollywood.

LeRette explained writing a successful novel is one thing, but having it transformed into a motion picture is another.

“It’s surreal,” Scott said. “It really hit home the first time we watched one of the edits. I’m watching someone else say words that I said in real life.”

He continued to say he doesn’t take for granted what has happened, but that it was a long, tough road. Numerous production companies and agencies were contacted by LeRette to either pitch the idea or gather information on what was needed for such.

“Before, I didn’t understand how it could take 10 years to make a movie, but now I do,” Scott said. “There were so many ‘No’s,’ but one of things I would remind myself it that the only way I fail, is if I quit.”

Persistence paid off, and Scott’s book was turned into a film.

“I always believed in what I was trying to do. I had faith. Every step of the way was foreign territory.”

None of it could have been done without his wife, Teresa, and children, Logan and Austin, now ages 24 and 26.

“Teresa always reminded me to ‘let go’ and to always remember who’s in charge; knowing that it will always work out,” Scott recalled. “Logan is extremely level headed and composed, but Austin already thought he was a movie star,” Scott chuckled.

More about the film will be published in The Red Oak Express as the premiere dates gets closer.

The LeRettes reside in Papillion, Neb.