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American Underdog, Hayden Zaller!


Thank you Hayden Zaller for sitting down and talking with me about American Underdog. Hayden is absolutely extraordinary and just a all around love bug.


11-year old Hayden is the son of Shannon and Michael Zaller who have been performers at the Historic Savannah Theatre for 20 years. Now we know were he’s learned his amazing acting skills, mom and dad! Hayden, who is blind, was born in China and adopted by the Zallers in 2016. Being raised by a theater family inspired Hayden to get into acting himself.


When Hayden was cast, the leading roles were not yet filled, so the Zaller’s assumptions about the scale of the film were modest. Then the project went on hiatus because of COVID-19. When "American Underdog" returned to production great actors like Levy, Paquin, and Dennis Quaid had joined the cast, and filming moved from Atlanta to Oklahoma.

Did you know, Hayden is one of the first blind actors ever cast in a leading role, and the door seems to be opening wider for other actors with disabilities. Take a look at what Hayden had to say and make sure to watch American Underdog! It’s exactly the feel good movie we need right now, filled with love, hope and a little bit of magic.


American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

Based on the Book “All Things Possible” by Kurt Warner with Michael Silver. Screenplay by Jon Erwin & David Aaron Cohen and Jon Gunn. Directed by The Erwin Brothers.



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