Ben Affleck battles alcoholism while coaching in The Way Back trailer

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for THE WAY BACK, a sports drama directed by Gavin O'Connor (THE ACCOUNTANT) which stars Ben Affleck (TRIPLE FRONTIER) as Jack Cunningham, a man whose life was once filled with promise. A high school basketball star, Jack was on track for a bright future when he suddenly walked away from a full university scholarship and his life subsequently spiraled into depression and alcoholism. Years later, he reluctantly begins teaching the basketball team at his alma mater, and when the boys start coming together, he may just have what he needs to to finally confront his demons and find…sniff…the way back.

THE WAY BACK certainly looks promising, and given the real-life parallels with Ben Affleck's own struggles with alcoholism, it could feature a fantastic performance from the actor. In addition to Affleck, THE WAY BACK also stars Al Madrigal (NIGHT SCHOOL), Michaela Watkins (Casual), Janina Gavankar (True Blood) and Glynn Turman (BUMBLEBEE).

The official synopsis for THE WAY BACK:

Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) once had a life filled with promise. In high school, he was a basketball phenom with a full university scholarship, when suddenly, for reasons unknown, he walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Now years later, Jack is spiraling down, triggered by an unspeakable loss, and drowning in the alcoholism that cost him his marriage and any hope for a better life. When he is asked to coach the basketball team at his alma mater, which has fallen far since his glory days, he reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself. As the boys start to come together as a team and win, Jack may have finally found a reason to confront the demons that have derailed him. But will it be enough to fill the void, heal the deep wounds of his past, and set him on the road to redemption?

THE WAY BACK will hit theaters on March 6, 2020.