Yahoo Lifestyle Wayfarer Studios Sets Nationwide Release For Michael Chiklis Sports Drama ‘The Senior’
EXCLUSIVE: Wayfarer Studios, the independent studio behind this summer’s smash hit It Ends with Us, has set a nationwide theatrical release for its sports drama The Senior, starring Michael Chiklis. Based on a true story, the film will be released by Allen Media Group’s Freestyle Releasing on March 7, 2025.
The Senior tells the story of Mike Flynt (Chiklis) who, 37 years ago, was kicked off his collegiate football team for an altercation with another teammate. Now at 59, Mike continues to carry that burden. But when he learns he still has a year of eligibility, he decides to go back to school to get his degree and try out for the team to redeem his past. Mike slowly starts to earn the respect of his much younger teammates, ultimately leading him on a journey to address his masculinity and resolve his generational trauma put upon by his father, while also addressing his strained relationship with his son.
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Rod Lurie (The Contender) directed from a script by Robert Eisele (The Great Debaters). Premiering at the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival, pic’s cast also includes Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, James Badge Dale, and Rob Corddry.
Producers included Mark Ciardi (The Rookie, Invincible) and Campbell McInnes (A Million Miles Away) of Select Films, Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof of Wayfarer Studios (It Ends with Us), and Manu Gargi (The Peanut Butter Falcon). Wayfarer’s Steve Sarowitz and Tracy Ryerson, Ten Acre Films’ Kelly Williams and Jonathan Duffy, John Kang, Mike Ilitch, Jr. and Ricardo A. Salas of Unity Entertainment, and Robert Eisele are executive producers on the project.
Stated Calof, President of Production at Wayfarer Studios and producer of The Senior, “We’re honored to partner with Freestyle to bring Mike Flynt’s inspiring story to audiences nationwide. With Michael Chiklis leading an incredible cast, Rod Lurie’s direction, and the remarkable work of Mark Ciardi, the team at Ten Acre Films, and our partners at Unity Entertainment, we’re excited to share this powerful message about never giving up on your dreams.”
Added Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group, “Freestyle Releasing is proud to partner with Wayfarer Studios on a movie made to be seen in the theater. THE SENIOR is more than just a movie about football – it engages sports and non-sports fans with its inspiring journey of a relatable underdog who takes on his own compelling and heartfelt transformation.”
Imene Meziane negotiated the deal on behalf of Wayfarer Studios.
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