Lil Rel Howery will star alongside Heather Graham (Chosen Family), Jeremy John Wells (Oppenheimer), Kevin Nealon (Saturday Night Live), Matt Walsh (Veep), and Bonnie Bedelia (Panic) in Maybe We Should, an inspirational drama directed by A.J. Tesler (Hero Mode). Based on Louie Castriota’s memoir Leg Up: The Courage to Dream, the film chronicles the Castriota family’s journey to establish Leg Up Farm, a transformative therapy center for children with special needs.
The story centers on Laurie and Louie Castriota as they navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of caring for their daughter, Brooke, who has a rare genetic disorder. Determined to make a difference, the family takes on the ambitious task of creating a space that brings hope and healing to their rural Pennsylvania community.
The role of Brooke Castriota is played by nine-year-old Emery Lapinskas, chosen through an extensive search within the disability community. The production also partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, providing five children with the opportunity to join the cast and crew.
Director A.J. Tesler, whose daughter lives with Rett Syndrome, emphasized the importance of authenticity in portraying the lives of families navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs. “This film is about more than struggle—it’s about resilience, joy, and hope,” Tesler shared.
Produced by Vertero Films’ Jeremy John Wells, Artimage Entertainment’s Carl Effenson (Mudbound), and Autumn Bailey-Ford (On a Wing and a Prayer), the film brings together a seasoned team to tell this powerful story. Wells, who also has a personal connection to the narrative as a parent of a child with Type-1 diabetes, remarked, “This film highlights the extraordinary things ordinary families can achieve through determination and community.”
Maybe We Should continues Tesler’s dedication to heartfelt storytelling, following his work on Hero Mode and the documentary Magnolia’s Hope.