Gruff American Helps Irish Teens Lose Virginity Before Pope's Visit

In 2025, a new comedy film titled 'Bender' is generating buzz in the entertainment industry. The film, described as a blend of 'Superbad' and 'Derry Girls', is based on the late-1970s, post-punk coming-of-age experiences of Irish screenwriter Adrian Cunningham.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of an impending papal visit to Ireland. A gruff American record store owner, played by comedian Bill Burr, convinces a ragtag group of teenage misfits that their best, and possibly only, chance to lose their virginity before graduating high school is at a massive open-air mass for the visiting Pope.

The film is being produced by Lesley-Ann Brandt, known for her role in the Netflix series 'Lucifer', and Cunningham under their production company D6 Entertainment. The director for the project is still being finalized, but the film is expected to capture the frenetic energy and humor of the era.

Burr, an Emmy and Grammy Award nominee, is coming off the release of his eighth stand-up special and has recently received praise for his Broadway debut in 'Glengarry Glen Ross'. He is also set to direct and star in the upcoming film 'Born Losers' next year.