A Wonderful Conversation with Director, Writer and Actor Daniel Roebuck About his Latest Upcoming Movie “The Hail Mary” Being Released February 27
- Feb 20
- 5 min read
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 02/20/2026 – “This is a story about grace not giving up,” Roebuck says. “Not on one man—but on anyone who’s ever needed a reminder that it’s not too late.”
The film, inspired by Roebuck’s experiences with Catholic school nuns, tells the story of a janitor and a nun who form an unlikely friendship. Roebuck discussed the casting process, which included local actors and theater kids for football scenes, and emphasized his approach of creating characters through obstacles. The movie, which combines comedy and drama, aims to share messages of faith and understanding without being preachy. Roebuck also mentioned his not-for-profit organization, A Channel of Peace, which funds his films through donations.
The Hail Mary flips the traditional sports-film playbook, delivering a heartfelt comedy-drama about forgiveness, faith, and the unlikely connections that turn a ragtag football team into a story of redemption. Premiering February 21 in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley ahead of its national release on February 27, the film is written, directed by, and stars veteran actor Daniel Roebuck (Matlock, The Fugitive).
Here is the trailer:
Audiences will get their first look at the movie at 11 a.m. Feb. 21 in Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas in ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.
Then, the film again will be shown at 3 p.m. in Bethlehem Catholic High School and at 7 p.m. inside the historic Roxy Theatre in Northampton.
The national theatrical release will follow on Friday, February 27.
The Hail Mary, which is set to take place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on February 21st. The event will be held at Daniel’s high school, transformed into a 5.1 surround sound theater, and will feature a “green carpet” instead of a red carpet, symbolizing a football field. Special guests at the premiere include Marcia Dietlein, Dwayne Whitaker, Timothy E. Goodwin, Bret Anthony, and other local actors from the movie.
Set within a Catholic school community, The Hail Mary follows a bitter, isolated man whose life is quietly transformed when he’s reluctantly recruited to coach a struggling football team, guided by a sharp-witted nun who refuses to give up on him or the kids.
What sets The Hail Mary apart is its authenticity. Inspired by Roebuck’s own Catholic school upbringing and filmed in the region where he grew up, the story blends humor and heart while tackling universal themes that resonate well beyond faith audiences: second chances, healing fractured lives, and rediscovering purpose when you least expect it.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Timothy E. Goodwin (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), Bret Anthony (Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of ‘Three’s Company”), Duane Whitaker (Pulp Fiction), Marsha Dietlein-Bennett (Return of the Living Dead: Part 2), Tyler Mane (X-Men) and Joe Estevez (Eyes Upon Waking), and will be released through a unique multi-tier strategy: select theatrical screenings, licensed church showings nationwide, and school and community events supported by curated discussion guides.
To find out more about The Hail Mary and the cast, click below: https://www.thehailmaryfilm.com/
During our conversation Daniel shared other big news the filming starts this summer on another locally filmed feature, tentatively titled Men of Granite.
He will star alongside Bill George, founder of Touchstone Theatre; Joe Estevez, the younger brother of Martin Sheen; and Ted Neely, best known for playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Enjoy our conversation with Daniel Roebuck:
This film is a beautiful and inspirational one that will fill your heart with love, fill your spirit with joy, fill your soul with the gifts God give to us! Tissue will be needed, not only for the tears of joy, and the story told, but also for the comedy. Just the type of movie to take the whole entire family to the movie theater with your favorite drink and popcorn. All in all, just a wonderful film. So check your local listing on to get your tickets for Daniel’s newest film The Hail Mary when it is released nation wide on Friday, February 27th. – Judy Shields, The Hollywood Times
Writing Philosophy and Creative Journey
Daniel discussed his writing process, explaining that he started developing his script about 8 years ago and writes by first thinking through scenarios before writing them down. He shared his philosophy that writing involves creating characters you love and then challenging them with obstacles. Daniel described how his first-grade teacher, Sister Kathleen, encouraged his creative writing by allowing him to perform a play he wrote, which inspired him to become a director, actor, and writer. He expressed gratitude towards the nuns who supported his creative endeavors, noting that while other teachers disciplined him, the nuns never physically disciplined him, which he found interesting given his behavior in school.
Movie Title Evolution Discussion
Daniel explained the evolution of his movie’s title from “Take a Knee” to “Hail Mary,” which he chose to avoid political connotations and to reflect the film’s themes of faith and redemption. He described the movie as a comedy-drama that uses humor to engage audiences before presenting a message of faith and forgiveness. Daniel discussed the casting process, with Daniel revealing that he had specific actors in mind while writing the characters, except for Brett Anthony, who was originally written for another actor.
Unique Buddy Comedy Casting
Daniel discussed his recent movie project, highlighting the performances of the cast, including Marsha Dietlein, who he praised for her versatility. He emphasized the unique buddy comedy dynamic between a nun and a janitor, and mentioned the inclusion of young actors with Down syndrome to add authenticity to the school setting. Daniel also talked about the casting process, emphasizing his preference for casting real people over professional actors, and mentioned the involvement of Beth Clausnitzer as a casting director.
I asked Daniel about the music and score for his film. Here is his response:
“I think one of the things that makes the movies I make unique is the diversity of the music that we choose. My anchor is Alex Kovacs, the fantastic composer who has composed every movie I have made so far. His music is glorious, exciting, and joyful. We surround him with many local musicians whose work grounds our movies. Pop songs from Stephanie Johnson and Bosco Oliver and a haunting piece by Alyssa Garcia.”
Daniel Roebuck has spent over three decades building an impressive resume chock-full of blockbuster films (THE FUGITIVE), kids movies (AGENT CODY BANKS), horror movies (HALLOWEEN 2), faith-based movies (LET THERE BE LIGHT, MT BROTHERS’ CROSSING), TV movies (NEW YORK PRISON BREAK: THE SEDUCTION OF JOYCE MITCHELL) and television series (MATLOCK, LOST).
He co-wrote, produced and directed the award winning feature film, GETTING GRACE. Roebuck recently entered in the STAR WARS pantheon as Greez Dritus, the irascible pilot of the Mantis Spaceship and one of the stars of JEDI FALLEN ORDER.
To find out about the all those that help make this movie, check out imdb below:
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