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Everyone loves a good underdog. That’s exactly the premise of 12 Mighty Orphans, Martin Sheen‘s new sports movie following an orphanage’s football team. Their meteoric rise to fame in the Texas football community seems too good and touching to be true… So is 12 Mighty Orphans based on a true story? Were Rusty Russell’s (Luke Wilson) Mighty Mites truly a team to be reckoned with, or were they just written that way by the film’s brainchild, Ty Roberts?

The film takes place in the Great Depression, and parallels the underdog Mighty Mites to the fragmented, healing country. Rusty has his own troubling backstory, but the team is ready to help him become a new man. And even though 12 Mighty Orphans may seem like “just” a heartwarming sports film, it’s much more: it also marks the reunion between Apocalypse Now actors Sheen and Robert Duvall. Who knew!

But is 12 Mighty Orphans based on a true story? Is it based on a book? Here’s the history behind Martin Sheen’s new movie:

Is 12 Mighty Orphans based on a true story?

Yes — and not only that, 12 Mighty Orphans is actually based on a book. The film is adapted from Jim Dent’s 2007 nonfiction book 12 Mighty Orphans: The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football. It tells the story of a Fort Worth orphanage’s football team, the Mighty Mites. Their team got their start during the Great Depression era; coming from humble beginnings, and going on to dominate the sport. And yes, they even played without shoes, just like in the movie.

Where are Rusty Russell, Doc Hall, and the rest of the team now?

Unfortunately, since most of the characters in the film were adults or older teens during the Great Depression, many have passed away since their time with the Mighty Mites. Both Rusty Russell and Doc Hall died; but before that, the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame inducted Russell alongside other Texas greats.

Is 12 Mighty Orphans streaming? How to watch 12 Mighty Orphans:

No, sorry, 12 Mighty Orphans is not streaming at the moment. It’s set to have a wide release in theaters tomorrow, June 18. Find showtimes and buy tickets at the 12 Mighty Orphans website.