Inspirational Sports Drama Showcases Journey Toward True Identity in Christ
The highly anticipated sixth film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Overcomer, will be in theaters this August. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendricks’ new venture tackles the vital issue of spiritual identity in a unique and fresh way.
Chris Fabry has written the novelization of the movie’s captivating story based upon biblical themes from the book of Ephesians. Known for his rich character development and trademark lyrical prose, Fabry will translate the Kendricks’ new movie into an inspirational novel of three characters’ journeys as each find and refine their true identity in Christ. The book will be published by Tyndale House in July.
SYNOPSIS: Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a newfound friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.
Fabry shared:
I’m so excited about tackling another great story with the Kendricks. I love asking questions about what’s going on inside the people you see on the screen, so the book will give you all of the film plus some deeper looks at the backstory and other meaningful threads that can’t fit into a two-hour film.” He also shared that while “telling a great story is our goal . . . our deepest hope for the novel is to connect readers with their true identity. Our prayer for Overcomer is that people will realize who they are in Christ.
Director Alex Kendrick specifically requested Fabry’s involvement:
We have great admiration for Chris Fabry’s work and ministry heart. He was an absolute joy to work with on the novelization of War Room and was able to read the Overcomer script early and join us on set this summer to hear the message and heart behind this new film. We think he and Tyndale House are the perfect partners for this project.
Tyndale House’s Karen Watson said:
We are honored to be part of this successful team. The Kendricks always illustrate a theme that speaks to a timely spiritual longing in our culture. We know that Chris’s development of an ‘extended cut’ of the story line will enrich the experience of folks who love the film and can encourage others to see it.
Overcomer is directed by Alex Kendrick, produced by Stephen Kendrick and Aaron Burns, with executive producer Shannon Kendrick, and the screenplay written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. Previous film from the Kendricks brothers include War Room, Fireproof, Courageous, and Facing the Giants.
Watch for an interview with Chris Fabry in a future issue of FamilyFiction digital magazine!
WATCH THE MOVIE TRAILER
Overcomer
A novelization by Chris Fabry
Based on the motion picture by Alex Kendrick & Stephen Kendrick
Tyndale House