Watch Gary Sinise and Mark Wahlberg Bond in the Trailer for ‘Joe Bell’

FacebookXPinterestEmailEmailEmailShare
Gary Sinise Joe Bell
Gary Sinise and Mark Wahlberg star in "Joe Bell." (Roadside Attractions)

Mark Wahlberg plays a father coping with his son’s suicide in the upcoming drama “Joe Bell.” Gary Sinise plays a lawman who counsels Wahlberg as his character tries to make sense of the tragedy.

The movie is based on a true story. You can see Wahlberg and Sinise in the trailer just released for the movie, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 23.

We all know Sinise from his breakthrough role as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump.” That role changed the actor’s life and inspired him to devote much of his time to veteran charities via the Gary Sinise Foundation. Wahlberg made a huge impression as Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell in “Lone Survivor” and has been a longtime supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Joe Bell’s son Jadin was gay in a small town in Oregon. He dreamed of getting out and moving to New York City. The kids in his school gave him a hard time, and his dad wanted him to tough it out (and hoped his son would grow out of what he wanted to think was a “phase”). Jadin no longer could handle the pressure and took his own life in 2013. He was 15 years old.

Joe Bell was devastated by the loss and felt enormous guilt about what his son endured. He finally decided to walk across the country to fulfill his son’s dream of visiting New York City.

Along the way, he shared his story with anyone who would listen. The movie imagines conversations that the father might have had with his son as Bell treks down the highway.

Sinise, whose character is also the father of a gay child, tries to reassure Wahlberg. “Jadin knew before he died that you loved him and accepted him. That’s what matters,” he says.

Wahlberg (as Joe Bell) replies, “I never let him know it was OK. And I’ve gotta live with that.”

Bell’s true story has a shocking ending, and it’s a lock that the movie will portray that part of his life. If you’d like to see the film without any spoilers, don’t Google “Joe Bell” before you see the movie.

Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment

Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox.

Story Continues