Kansas City, MO – May 30, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has unveiled a cinematic celebration of Chiefs Kingdom, announcing a feature film titled “Kingdom Rising: The Heart of the Chiefs”, starring lifelong fan and hometown hero Paul Rudd. Set to premiere in 2026, the movie promises to capture the soul of the Chiefs’ fervent fanbase.
The film, directed by Jason Sudeikis, follows a multigenerational Chiefs fan family led by Rudd’s character, Jack Harper, a Kansas City native whose life intertwines with the team’s triumphs and heartbreaks from the 1960s to the Patrick Mahomes era. From Len Dawson’s Super Bowl IV to Mahomes’ three titles, the story weaves love, loss, and unbreakable loyalty. “This is our love letter to Chiefs Kingdom,” Hunt said.
Rudd, a Lenexa-raised superfan, was Hunt’s first choice. “Playing a Chiefs diehard is a dream,” Rudd told ESPN. “This isn’t just a movie—it’s our story, from tailgates to touchdowns.” Known for Ant-Man and his Big Slick charity events, Rudd brings authenticity, having attended every Chiefs game for two decades.
The plot centers on Jack’s quest to pass his Chiefs passion to his daughter, played by Jenna Ortega, amid personal struggles. Iconic moments—like the 2020 Super Bowl comeback—unfold through their eyes, with cameos from Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid. “Chiefs Kingdom is family,” Reid said, praising the project.
Filming begins in July 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, with scenes at local haunts like Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. Produced by Skydance Sports and NFL Films, the movie builds on the success of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, a 2024 Hallmark hit (web:1,2,3,18,20). Hunt aims to showcase Kansas City’s spirit globally.
Chiefs Kingdom erupted on X, with fans chanting, “Rudd’s our Chiefs MVP!” Posts hailed the casting: “Paul Rudd as a Chiefs fan? Oscar-worthy!” The film’s release aligns with the Chiefs’ 2025 campaign, kicking off in Brazil against the Chargers on September 5 (web:1,24).
With a cast including Eric Stonestreet and Heidi Gardner, the film celebrates Chiefs’ resilience post-Super Bowl LIX loss. “Our fans are the heartbeat of this team,” Hunt said. “This movie immortalizes that.”
As Chiefs chase Super Bowl LX, Kingdom Rising promises to unite fans in theaters. For Rudd, it’s personal: “This is for every fan who bleeds red and gold.” Chiefs Kingdom’s saga is ready for the big screen.