Gerard Butler, known for his versatile acting roles across action and drama, faced a notable setback with the 2011 film Machine Gun Preacher. Despite his usual box office success, this biographical drama failed to connect with audiences and critics alike at the time of its release. The film, which portrays the true story of Sam Childers, a man who transforms from a troubled biker to a Christian humanitarian, did not find commercial success. Machine Gun Preacher is now available to stream for free on Tubi starting December 1, offering viewers a chance to revisit this intense, yet overlooked, entry in Butler’s filmography.
The movie follows Sam Childers, played by Butler, who starts as a drug-using, motorcycle-riding miscreant but experiences a profound change after embracing Christianity. Motivated by his faith, Sam travels to Sudan to protect children and families from the brutal Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), placing himself in dangerous situations to provide safety and hope. This narrative intends to inspire through the depiction of one man’s redemption and commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Performance and Production Details Behind the Film
Machine Gun Preacher features notable performances alongside Gerard Butler, including Michelle Monaghan as Lynn, Sam’s supportive wife, and Michael Shannon portraying Donnie, Sam’s close friend. Despite these strong cast members, the film struggled financially and critically. On a $30 million budget, it grossed just over $3 million worldwide, marking it as a major box office failure. Critical reception was overwhelmingly negative, with Rotten Tomatoes granting the film a low approval rating of only 28%. The biopic’s attempt to blend raw, emotional storytelling with action elements did not resonate as intended.
Gerard Butler’s Current and Upcoming Projects
Following the lukewarm response to Machine Gun Preacher, Gerard Butler has remained active with several projects keeping him in the spotlight. In 2023, fans saw the return of his role in Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, along with his participation in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Looking ahead to 2026, Butler’s highly anticipated Greenland 2: Migration is set for release on January 9. This sequel, directed by Ric Roman Waugh and featuring Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis, and Amber Rose Revah, continues the story of survival introduced in the original 2020 disaster thriller.
For those interested in exploring Butler’s more complex and somber roles, Machine Gun Preacher will be accessible without charge on Tubi starting December 1, expanding opportunities to evaluate this challenging chapter in his career.
