ANGEL STUDIOS ONBOARDS WAYFARER STUDIOS FEATURE “THE SENIOR”
Directed by Rod Lurie and Starring Michael Chiklis and Mary Stuart Masterson, Inspirational Football Drama Kicks Off in Theaters September 19, 2025
(Provo, UT. — July 9, 2025) Angel, the film & TV distribution platform curated by over one million members of the Angel Guild, proudly announces the signing of the anticipated sports drama from Wayfarer Studios, THE SENIOR, and sets new nationwide theatrical release on September 19, 2025.
Directed by Rod Lurie (THE CONTENDER, STRAW DOGS) and written by Robert Eisele (THE GREAT DEBATERS), THE SENIORis based on the true story of Mike Flynt (Michael Chiklis) who, 35 years after getting kicked off his college football team, decides to return to the gridiron for his senior year of eligibility and prove to his family, former teammates, and himself that it’s never too late to tackle your dreams. Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, James Badge Dale, and Rob Corddry round out the cast.
“THE SENIOR is the kind of story that reminds us it’s never too late to defy expectations, overcome regrets, and live out your purpose,” said Brandon Purdie, Global Head of Theatrical Distribution and Brand Development at Angel. “The Angel Guild resonated with Mike’s inspiring story, Rod’s vision to bring this true story to life, and the engaging performances from this exceptional cast. We’re excited to partner with Wayfarer Studios to champion this film that aligns so closely with our mission to amplify light through powerful storytelling.”
“THE SENIOR is so much more than a film, it’s the embodiment of everything we believe in at Warfarer Studios,” said Andrew Calof, President of Production at Wayfarer. “At its core, it’s a story about the unshakable power of faith, the bonds of family, and the relentless spirit that lives in all of us; no matter our age or circumstance. Rooted in the heart of America and centered around the world of football, it taps into something deeply human: the idea that perseverance, determination, and belief can carry us farther than we ever imagined. We’re incredibly proud to bring this film to life in partnership with Angel, whose commitment to creating impact for good mirrors our own mission; to tell stories that move people and make a difference.”
THE SENIOR is produced by Mark Ciardi (THE ROOKIE, INVINCIBLE) and Campbell McInnes (A MILLION MILES AWAY) of Select Films, Justin BaldoniandAndrew Calof of Wayfarer Studios (IT ENDS WITH US). Wayfarer Studios’ 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. Imene Meziane negotiated and penned the deal for THE SENIOR on behalf of Wayfarer.
THE SENIOR will be sold internationally through Voltage Pictures/The Exchange.
Chiklis is repped by Gersh and Entertainment 360, with legal representation by Ziffren Brittenham. Masterson is repped by Paradigm and Untitled Entertainment. Corddry is repped by Buchwald and Artists First, with legal representation by Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox. Flynn is repped by Paradigm and Untitled Entertainment, with legal representation by Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham. Lurie is repped by Adam Kantor and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Eisele is repped by Echo Lake Entertainment and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein.
ABOUT WAYFARER STUDIOS:
Wayfarer Studios is an independent studio actively developing, producing, and fully financing a slate of highly original, genre-defining, and globally impactful feature films, episodic television, documentaries, unscripted series, and podcasts. Co-founded by Justin Baldoni and Steve Sarowitz, and led by CEO Jamey Heath and President Tera Hanks, the studio’s work highlights the power of human connection—debunking the traditional studio model by championing inspirational stories that serve as true agents for social change.
Wayfarer Studios’ current slate includes IT ENDS WITH US, EZRA, THE GARFIELD MOVIE, A NICE INDIAN BOY (a New York Times Critics’ Pick and Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes), CODE 3, THE SENIOR, EMPIRE WAIST, and ELEANOR THE GREAT, which recently held its World Premiere at the 78th Festival de Cannes. Its documentary features include WILL & HARPER, RACIST TREES, THE HERRICANES, and BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL.
In 2021, Wayfarer launched the highly successful and four-time Webby-nominated THE MAN ENOUGH PODCAST. For more information, please visit www.wayfarerstudios.com.
ABOUT ANGEL STUDIOS:
Angel is a values-based distribution company for stories that amplify light to mainstream audiences. Through the Angel Guild, over 1,300,000 paying members from more than 170 different countries help decide what film and television projects the studio will market and distribute, and support the filmmakers who create films and series that amplify light. Learn more at Angel.com