Freestyle Digital Media has acquired the video-on-demand rights to “The Ballad of Lieutenant Dan,” a documentary about actor Gary Sinise’s work with veterans, injured service members and Gold Star families. The film will be available across North American digital HD, DVD, cable and satellite platforms from November 10, 2026.
The documentary traces Sinise’s decades-long commitment to honoring military service members, a mission inspired by playing a Vietnam veteran in “Forrest Gump.” It also follows him as he faces the death of his son, Mac, who died of cancer at 33, and explores the support Sinise received from the community he had helped build.
Interviews featured in the film include Sinise, Jay Leno, Tim Allen, Joe Mantegna, Chip Foose and Mykelti Williamson. Sinise is also known for films including “Ransom” and “Apollo 13,” the television series “CSI: NY” and his Emmy-winning performance in “George Wallace.”
Directed by Steve Mitchell Beebe and produced by Bud Brutsman, the documentary takes its title from Sinise’s “Forrest Gump” character, Lieutenant Dan. Freestyle Digital Media, Allen Media Group’s digital film distribution division, negotiated the acquisition directly with the filmmakers.
Sources: IndieWire.