Sony is offering free admission to all NFL players and their families to "Concussion," the drama that centers on the doctor who discovered CTE, a football-related brain trauma, and his fight against the NFL.
NFL players can see the film at any time during its theatrical run after it opens on Christmas Day. As The Hollywood Reporter previously reported, Sony has already held several private screenings for players, and hundreds of active and former players have already watched the film, including New York Jets Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis, who called it "educational."
Will Smith stars in "Concussion," playing Dr. Bennet Omalu, the real-life forensic neuropathologist whose research of chronic traumatic encephalopathy — deadly brain trauma in football players — was met with resistance by the NFL.
"This is a movie for the players, so we wanted to give them a chance to see it before its nationwide release and free admission during its run in theaters," a statement from producers Ridley Scott and Giannina Scott said. "The movie is so inspiring — Will Smith gives one of the best performances of his career as Dr. Bennet Omalu, a man who shined a light on the truth.
"The odds were stacked against him, but he had the truth on his side, and now, his discovery is all anyone's talking about. We think the players will enjoy watching this movie about Dr. Omalu's incredible courage — courage that changed the game."
Players can receive complimentary admission for themselves and one guest by presenting their NFLPA membership card at any Cinemark theater nationwide.
NFL Players Association executive George Atallah told THR that the film, which is directed by Peter Landesman based on the GQ article "Game Brain" by Jeanne Marie Laskas, had already made a difference: "The story has already forced the NFL to be held accountable to improve health and safety standards in football. I want to see the film change football not just at the NFL level but at every other level of the game, from the NCAA down to youth."
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: NEW RESEARCH: 96% of the brains in an NFL study tested positive for disease
