Joel Smallbone brings his family’s story to the big screen.
On Tuesday, Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company shared a brand new trailer — exclusively to PEOPLE — for the new movie KING & COUNTRY Unsung Heroa film that follows his family’s real-life move to the United States from Australia in the 1990s.
Joel, 39, plays his own father David Smallbone in the film, who moves to Nashville in 1991 with his seven children and his wife (Daisy Betts). As the family struggles to establish themselves in a new country, their daughter Rebecca St. James begins to attract attention for his impressive singing ability.
The entire Smallbone family then pulls together to help the family survive financially, they are shown raking leaves and yard work together to earn money. Their hard work pays off in the end; Rebecca’s career grows until she becomes a popular musician.
The trailer even cheekily teases the fame to come for KING + COUNTRY members Joel and his brother Luke Smallbone, who are shown as kids in the film, telling their father they want a record deal too.
For KING + COUNTRY to present the film ‘What Are We Waiting For?’ Video as they announce the deluxe album (exclusive)
The ‘Unsung Hero’ poster.
Courtesy of Lionsgate
“Unsung Hero follows David Smallbone as he moves his family from Down Under to the United States, looking for a brighter future after his successful music company goes under,” reads the film’s official synopsis. “With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.”
“With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize their children’s musical prowess,” the synopsis adds, hinting at future success for Rebecca and KING + COUNTRY.”
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Joel Smallbone in ‘The Unsung Hero’.
Courtesy of Lionsgate
Joel, who has released five albums for KING + COUNTRY, brings Unsung Hero on the big screen as a co-writer and co-director, as well as its main actor. He wrote the screenplay and co-directed the film with Richard Ramsey. Luke, 37, also serves as a producer on the film with Justin Tolley and Josh Walsh (The Jesus Revolution).
Except for Smallbone, the movie also starring Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott.
Unsung Hero out in theaters everywhere on April 26, 2024.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education