Paramount Sets Tuggle Biopic for Christmas 2026

Paramount Pictures announced release dates for several upcoming films, including an untitled biopic about NFL player John Tuggle starring David Corenswet, scheduled to open on Christmas Day 2026. The studio also slotted other projects into its 2027 lineup, expanding its slate amid a competitive holiday season.

The Tuggle film centers on the life of the New York Giants fullback, who earned the nickname "Mr. Irrelevant" as the last pick in the 1983 NFL draft. Despite the moniker, typically given to players waived before the season, Tuggle defied expectations by making the roster and playing in five games during his rookie year. He earned the team's Special Teams Player of the Year award that season but tragically died of cancer on August 30, 1986, at age 25. His story previously inspired ESPN's 30 for 30 short documentary "The Irrelevant Giant." Directed by Jonathan Levine, known for films such as "Long Shot" and "Warm Bodies," the biopic features a screenplay by Nick Santora, whose credits include the series "Reacher" and "FUBAR." Levine co-produces alongside Gillian Bohrer and Santora. The cast includes Corenswet as Tuggle, Michael Shannon as Giants coach Bill Parcells, David...