BUFFALO — Sony Pictures has ignited the “Bills Mafia” community after officially announcing an A list cast for the upcoming biographical film about Jim Kelly, the iconic No. 12 of the Buffalo Bills.
Titled The K Gun, the film is already being projected as one of the most emotional and inspiring sports movies of 2027.
Main Cast:
Glen Powell as Jim Kelly: Known for Top Gun Maverick and Anyone But You, Powell was selected for his rugged charisma and ability to portray intensity on the field. He has already begun intense training to recreate Kelly’s signature no huddle offensive style.
Josh Brolin as Marv Levy: The Avengers star will take on the role of the calm and visionary head coach who led Buffalo to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
Michael B. Jordan as Thurman Thomas: The Creed franchise star will portray the legendary running back and Kelly’s most trusted offensive partner during Buffalo’s golden era.
Alan Ritchson as Bruce Smith: The Reacher star’s powerful build makes him a perfect fit to play the greatest sack artist in NFL history.
Sydney Sweeney as Jill Kelly: She will portray Jim Kelly’s wife, who stood by his side through unimaginable hardship, from the loss of their son Hunter to his battle with jaw cancer.
Elite Production Team:
The film will be directed by Ron Howard, known for emotionally driven true stories like Rush and Cinderella Man. The project will also receive consultation from Jim Kelly himself along with NFL Films.
Storyline:
The K Gun goes far beyond football highlights. The film dives deep into:
• Buffalo’s rise from an overlooked franchise to an AFC powerhouse in the early 1990s
• The heartbreak of “Wide Right” and four consecutive Super Bowl losses, and how the city never stopped believing
• The greatest battle of Kelly’s life after retirement, facing family tragedy and illness, embodying the spirit of “Kelly Tough”
Release Timeline:
Filming is set to begin in the summer of 2026 in Buffalo and Orchard Park. The film is scheduled for a global theatrical release in Fall 2027, aligning with the 35th anniversary of “The Comeback” in 1993.
This is more than just a football movie. It is a love letter to the city of Buffalo and to those who never give up.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
