The First Script For Hallmark's 'Unexpected Grace' Was Entirely Different, Star Michael Rady Reveals

Michael Rady is spilling secrets about his new Hallmark movie, Unexpected Grace.

The 41-year-old actor stars opposite Erica Durance and Erica Tremblay in the new movie, which airs TONIGHT, Sunday, March 12 at 7 p.m. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Keep reading to find out more…

While speaking to Media Village, Michael opened up about the first script he and Erica Durance received for the project, which was much darker than the movie it became.

“Full disclosure, the first draft of this was incredibly different,” he shared. “I thought it was an independent film Hallmark purchased as it was very dark. Jack was an alcoholic, barely getting by, and tripping over himself. I was like, ‘This is really dark, but it’s exciting.’”

Michael added that he knew it would “evolve” because of the nature of it.

“I don’t think many people knew of the original script except me and Erica; when we mentioned it, everyone was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ We’re like, ‘That’s the script we were sent!’”

Michael went on, saying that the original script was what initially attracted him to the project.

“I’d never seen anything like that before,” he said. “There are so many beats along the way of this story that are unique. I’ve never seen characters offer something or say something along the lines of what these two people are struggling with, which makes for a very unique union.”

He continued, “Romance isn’t on the surface, and it’s about a more profound connection. It was interesting for Erica and me to play with some of the scenes, and the material, involving close proximity. Whether it was a handhold or a head on a shoulder, it became very clear we weren’t singularly trying to tell a romantic story here. More importantly, it’s about humans helping each other along this path of grief.”

The movie centers on Grace (Tremblay), who finds a note from a schoolgirl looking for a friend. Since she is still trying to find her place in her new hometown, she excitedly writes back and sets off a chain of events that ultimately changes the lives of three people.

Watch a sneak peek from Unexpected Grace below: