5 Easter Eggs To Look For In Unsung Hero
Unsung Hero, the new for KING + COUNTRY film, is now playing in theaters everywhere.
This film is the true story of the Smallbone family, their journey to America, and their belief that God is good even when times seem impossible. The characters and messages will resonate with everyone – fans of CCM, fans of for KING + COUNTRY, and anyone who has struggled with trying to figure out God’s plan for their life.
Our staff had a chance to preview Unsung Hero, and here are 5 easter eggs we found:
1. The stewardess on the plane is Rebecca St. James, the eldest of the Smallbone children. You’ll also hear her voice over the plane’s intercom welcoming travelers to America. Rebecca’s music was well-known throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s, earning her a Grammy and Dove Awards. After a hiatus, she’s returned to touring and making new music.
2. As the family is riding the train, the children stretch their legs onto an older couple. The older couple is the real David and Helen Smallbone.
3. If you’re a Kendrick Brothers movie fan, then the music executive who shuts down Rebecca’s dream saying, “I don’t think people care what a 16-year-old thinks” may seem familiar. It’s actor Kevin Downes, who played a starring role in Courageous. You may also have seen him in the Erwin Brother’s film “I Can Only Imagine,” based on the same-titled hit MercyMe song. Is there an award for an actor appearing in the most movies filmed by brothers?
4. It’s no secret that for KING + COUNTRY is made up of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, and Joel is playing the title role of his father, David Smallbone. In a “blink and you’ll miss it moment,” Luke plays the lead singer of the Christian metal band Stryper.
5. When the family plays pirates and ‘burn the ships’ at the playground, it is an ode to the for KING + COUNTRY album, “Burn The Ships.”
More interesting facts:
Luanne, the worship leader of the church the Smallbone family visits, is played by country and gospel artist Hillary Scott (Lady A and Hillary Scott and The Scott Family). Her song, “Thy Will Be Done” is a BRIGHT-FM listener favorite.
Music executive Eddie Degarmo is played by Jonathan Jackson, who was in the film Tuck Everlasting, which was filmed here in Berlin, MD. He was also part of the television series Nashville.
The sign at Creation says the year is 1993 and Rebecca is debuting her album God; however, that record was released in 1996.
Here’s the official synopsis:
When David Smallbone’s successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum’s faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.
