Earlier this year, the world lost a powerful evangelist and brother in Christ: Billy Graham. Graham’s impact on America and beyond was truly incredible, some would even say his reach was unprecedented. Despite his being gone, Graham’s legacy is strong: His funeral was more of a last crusade than a time of mourning, his family members continue to carry on his work, and now, a new movie is soon to release that will give us a snapshot of his impact on the world.
“Like my father and grandfather before me, I’m blessed to have been able to answer a call to evangelism,” Will Graham, Graham’s grandson, writes. Will is used to following in his grandfather’s footsteps, often taking to the pulpit to share the gospel with others. On September 14, the world will see Will in a new role: That of actor.
Will is playing his grandfather, Billy Graham, in the new film Unbroken: Path to Redemption. The move picks up where the first film, Unbroken, left off, which released in 2014 and told the story of an American soldier and Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini. In the first movie, which takes place during WWII, Zamperini survives a plane crash into the Pacific Ocean, internment at a POW camp in Japan, and finally makes his way back to American soil despite incredible odds.
The Path to Redemption will tell the second half of Zamperini’s story—featuring a chance encounter with Graham at a revival in Los Angeles that would change the course of his life.
Will Graham on Playing His Grandfather in Unbroken Film
Will Graham is hoping the film will continue his grandfather’s legacy. In a letter about the film, Will writes:
This year we have seen God move in ways that can only be explained by Him.
On the morning of Feb. 21, 2018, my grandfather, Billy Graham, slipped silently and sweetly into the presence of Jesus. He was called home in a manner that was fitting for a servant of Christ who had uncompromisingly served his Lord for the better part of a century. Even in his homegoing, we saw thousands make commitments to Christ, and I’m incredibly grateful for his continuing legacy.
Many of you were praying for our family during that time, and the outpouring of love was a wonderful encouragement to us.
Last year, I was asked to portray my grandfather in the film UNBROKEN: PATH TO REDEMPTION. The movie continues the story of Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini, who came home from the war a broken man. He suffered from PTSD, alcoholism and nightmares. Ultimately, he found true peace and hope when he surrendered to Jesus at my grandfather’s historic Los Angeles Crusade in 1949, an eternally-significant moment highlighted in the film.
Like my father and grandfather before me, I’m blessed to have been able to answer a call to evangelism. Knowing how God used my grandfather in Louis Zamperini’s life—and knowing how many others are out there struggling through the same challenges Louis faced—I couldn’t pass the opportunity to be a part of this inspiring story.
It would be my honor if you would consider watching and sharing the trailer for UNBROKEN: PATH TO REDEMPTION, endorsing it through your ministry, and partnering with us to help spread the word. You can find many share tools on our website at UnbrokenFilm.com/share. Our desire is to see this film impact thousands around the world—showing them the hope and redemption that can only be found in Christ!
Thank you for how you have blessed our family over the years, and for your unwavering commitment to the Gospel! God bless you,
Will Graham
You can watch the trailer for the new film here:
