Over his decades-long career, Gooding has played a wide range of characters, from disgraced athlete O.J. Simpson to Rod Tidwell in “Jerry Maguire,” earning him an Academy Award.
But according to the 56-year-old actor, his latest role — a drug dealer-turned-Christian in “The Firing Squad” — is one of the most impactful he’s ever tackled.
He told The Christian Post, “After living through the pandemic and all the wars that we’re going through, it’s time to get back to God. I got the script sent to me for this film, and it hit me so powerfully that these men had nothing to live for but found faith in the darkest times in their lives, in a jail cell. They were able to face the inevitable with dignity and pride.”
Starring Gooding, Kevin Sorbo and James Barrington, “The Firing Squad” is based on the true story of three men facing execution. As the moments leading to their deaths unfold, a series of unexpected events begins to reveal the profound impact of faith and its ability to offer hope in the darkest times.
Their path to redemption extends beyond their own salvation, sparking a spiritual awakening within the prison camp. The influence of their faith touches even the most hardened inmates, leading them toward the compassionate embrace of Christ.
Gooding‘s personal journey mirrors the film. Raised as a Christian, he drifted away from his faith during his Hollywood career but recently rededicated his life to Christ.