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American Underdog

American Underdog is a 2021 American biographical sports film about NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

American Underdog is a 2021 American biographical sports film about NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, it stars Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, and Dennis Quaid and depicts Warner’s rise from stocking supermarket shelves to becoming a Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback.

Plot and subject

American Underdog dramatizes Kurt Warner’s early struggles in football, his work outside the sport, and his eventual rise to NFL success. The film focuses on Warner’s relationship with Brenda and the role of family and faith in his career.

Production

The film was directed by brothers Andrew and Jon Erwin, who are known for Christian-themed and inspirational films. It is adapted from Kurt Warner’s memoir and was produced as a mainstream biographical sports drama.

Cast

Zachary Levi plays Kurt Warner, Anna Paquin plays Brenda Warner, and Dennis Quaid plays coach Dick Vermeil. The cast also includes supporting roles representing Warner’s family and football circle.

Release and reception

The film premiered in late 2021 in the United States and later became available on streaming platforms and home media. Coverage describes it as an uplifting and family-oriented sports biopic.

Key facts

  • American Underdog is a 2021 biographical sports drama about NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.
  • The film was directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin.
  • Zachary Levi stars as Kurt Warner, with Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner and Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil.
  • It is adapted from Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season.
  • The film was released in the United States on December 25, 2021.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed internationally and is of interest to Canadian viewers as an English-language American sports biopic about a widely followed NFL figure.

Frequently asked questions

What is American Underdog about?
It tells the true story of Kurt Warner’s rise from stocking supermarket shelves to becoming an NFL star, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Who directed American Underdog?
The film was directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin.
Who stars in American Underdog?
Zachary Levi stars as Kurt Warner, with Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner and Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil.
What is American Underdog based on?
It is adapted from Kurt Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season.
When was American Underdog released?
It was released in the United States on December 25, 2021.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11729298/
    Supports: Release year, basic plot, and U.S. release date.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Underdog
    Supports: Film type, directors, cast, and subject.
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/american-underdog/umc.cmc.ttui5d20in7icm9qp9wg2ip3
    Supports: Plot summary, runtime, and release year.
  4. AlloCiné — https://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=280930.html
    Supports: Runtime, genre, directors, cast, and memoir basis.
  5. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/american-underdog-movie-review-2021
    Supports: Adaptation from memoir, directorial credits, and thematic focus.