EXCLUSIVE: Director A.J. Tesler (Hero Mode) has wrapped on Maybe We Should, an inspirational drama based on a true story. Pic’s cast includes Heather Graham (Chosen Family), Jeremy John Wells (Oppenheimer), Kevin Nealon (Saturday Night Live), Lil Rel Howery (Vacation Friends), Matt Walsh (Veep), and Bonnie Bedelia (Panic).
Based on Louie Castriota’s memoir Leg Up: The Courage to Dream, the story follows Laurie and Louie Castriota as they confront the challenges of their daughter’s rare genetic disorder. Determined to bring hope to their rural Pennsylvania community, the Castriotas embark on an ambitious mission to establish Leg Up Farm, a revolutionary therapy center for children with special needs.
Following an extensive search within the disability community, the production discovered nine-year-old Emery Lapinskas, tapping her for the key role of the non-verbal Brooke Castriota. Behind the scenes, the production partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation, fulfilling the dreams of five children who joined the cast and crew during filming.
“The moment I encountered the Castriotas’ story, I knew it had to be told,” said Wells, who also produced the film. “As the father of a child with Type-1 diabetes, their journey deeply resonated with me. This isn’t just about healthcare accessibility—it’s a testament to how ordinary families can achieve extraordinary things through determination and community support.”
Added Tesler, whose daughter lives with Rett Syndrome, “Leading this film has been profoundly meaningful. We’ve strived to capture the full spectrum of special needs family life—the challenges, yes, but also the unexpected joy, hope, and triumph. Authenticity was paramount, which is why we cast so many actors with disabilities in key roles.”
Producers on Maybe We Should include Vertero Films’ Wells (Monster Summer, The Blind), Artimage Entertainment’s Carl Effenson (Mudbound, Mending the Line), and Autumn Bailey-Ford (On a Wing and a Prayer, Tulsa).
In addition to Hero Mode, a family film centered on a teenage coding genius, Tesler has previously directed the documentary Magnolia’s Hope on a young girl’s life with Rett Syndrome. He was co-EP on the series Historical Roasts and has also produced numerous comedy specials, including Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall, which premieres on Netflix on December 31. He is repped by Fayer Gipson LLP.
Graham is repped by Paradigm, RMS Productions, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes; Wells by Momentum Talent and Literary Agency, Legacy Management51, and Ramo Law; Nealon by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Howery by UTA, Fourth Wall Management, and Cohen & Gardner; Walsh by UTA, Artists First, and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis; and Bedelia by Innovative Artists and Management Production Entertainment.
