Mark Wahlberghas proven to be one of the most prolific actors and producers working today, with his latest filmFather Stufeaturing the Oscar nominee in a committed performance in front and behind the camera, delving deep to tell the story of one man’s remarkable journey from the boxing ring to the priesthood. Released just in time for Easter,Father Stuis based on the life of Catholic priest Father Stuart Long. Directed and written byRosalind Ross,Father Stuis produced byJordan Foss,Stephen Levinson, and Mark Wahlberg, who also leads a cast that includesMel Gibson,Jacki Weaver, andTeresa Ruiz. Here’s how you may watch this inspiring drama film.
Related:‘Father Stu’: Cast, Trailer, Release Date, and Everything You Need to Know
Is Father Stu Coming to Movie Theatres?
Father Stuis scheduled for release on August 18, 2025. The film had its world premiere in Long’s hometown of Helena, Montana, on July 31, 2025.
Is Father Stu Streaming Online?
Currently, the only place to watchFather Stuis in movie theatres. No digital release date has been announced, yet if recent Sony release dates are any indication,Father Stumight be available in June 2022.
It is highly likely thatFather Stuwill appear on Netflix since Sonysigned a dealwith the streaming service in 2022 which guarantees exclusive “pay 1 window” streaming rights. If recent release trends are any indication, the expected Netflix air date will be sometime in 2023. Sony has also signed a deal with Disney for its moviesto appear onDisney + and Huluas part of “pay 2 window” streaming rights, with the expected Disney+ and Hulu release date forFather Stubeing sometime in the latter half of 2023.
Who Was Father Stu and What Is the Movie About?
Father Stutells the story of Stuart Long, a cocky, womanizing boxer who after a near-death experience becomes a Catholic priest. Long’s faith is shaken and then strengthened when he is diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that makes his physically weak, yet also brings him closer to his estranged father Bill (Mel Gibson).
Stuart Ignatius “Stu” Long was raised in Helena, Montana. After playing football for two years, he became a boxer. In 1985, he won the Golden Gloves heavyweight title for Montana. After a jaw injury ended his boxing career, Long moved to Los Angeles to become an actor, a career that resulted in several commercials and bit parts in TV movies. When he had enough of the “seedy” atmosphere in Hollywood, he moved to Pasadena where, after a near-fatal motorcycle accident, he converted to Roman Catholicism. Long would eventually return to Montana where he became a Catholic priest. While he was in the seminary preparing for the priesthood, Long was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), an incurable and rare autoimmune disease. Long passed away at the age of 50 from the disease.
Related:Mark Walhberg’s ‘Father Stu’ About a Boxer-Turned-Priest Gets Easter Release Date and First Image
Who Are the Cast and Crew of Father Stu?
Mark Wahlberg stars as Father Stuart “Stu” Long. In order to recreate the physical transformation Long went through, Wahlberg gained 30 pounds in six weeks. Wahlberg is an actor and producer who received Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor forThe Departedand Best Picture forThe Fighter. His other notable roles include parts inBoogie Nights,Three Kings, andLone Survivor. As a producer, Wahlberg has also worked in television withEntourageandBoardwalk Empireamong his credits. Prior to film, Wahlberg had a successful career as a rapper in the music group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.
Mel Gibson stars as Bill Long, Stu’s estranged father who comes to his son’s aid during his most physically vulnerable moment. Gibson is a legendary figure in Hollywood history. Making his mark as a leading man in theMad MaxandLethal Weaponfranchises, Gibson would go on to win Oscars for Best Director and Best Film for his action biopicBraveheart. Gibson has also received widespread acclaim for his directing work onThe Passion of the Christ,Apocalypto, andHacksaw Ridge.
Jacki Weaver stars as Kathleen Long, the mother of Stu Long. Weaver is an Australian actress who was an essential part of the 1970s Australian New Wave due to her performances inPicnic at Hanging RockandCaddie. Weaver had her American breakthrough when she received an Oscar nomination for her role as a gang family matriarch inAnimal Kingdom. She would go on to receive further acclaim inSilver Linings PlaybookandThe Five-Year Engagement.
Teresa Ruiz stars as Carmen, a girlfriend of Stu’s who convinces him to convert to Catholicism, only to watch him join the priesthood. Ruiz is a Mexican actress known for her role as Isabella Bautista inNarcos: Mexico. Ruiz also starred inThe MarksmanalongsideLiam Neeson.
Malcolm McDowell stars as Monsignor Kelly, the rector of the seminary Long attends. McDowell is a cult favorite whose role as Alex DeLarge inA Clockwork Orangebrought him worldwide attention. Other notable roles includeTime After Time,Cat People, andCaligula.
Father Stuis directed and written by Rosalind Ross. It is her feature film debut. Ross previously worked as a screenwriter on the TV seriesMatador. Ross wanted to tell the story of Father Stu to “impart the message to people that it’s never too late to change or redeem yourself”. Before entering the film business, Ross was a champion equestrian vaulter.
What’s the Background of Father Stu’s Production?
Wahlberg first head the story of Father Stuart Long several years ago during a dinner with two priests who pitched him the idea of making a movie based on Long’s life. Wahlberg initially began working on the film with directorDavid O. Russell, who he previously worked with onThe FighterandThree Kings. When O. Russell passed on the movie, Wahlberg (who financed the film himself) reached out to Gibson for advice, since Gibson had financedThe Passion of the Christ. Gibson recommended that Ross, his partner, write the film’s screenplay. Wahlberg was so impressed with Ross’ script that he offered her the chance to direct the film.Father Stuwas shot in Los Angeles in just 30 days in May 2021.
