Hollywood star Chris Klein is trading college parties for church pews in his latest film-and he says the role couldn't have come at a better time in his life.
The American Pie actor has opened up about why he signed on to play Pastor Tom in the upcoming comedy Bad Counselors, revealing that the character struck a deeply personal chord as he embraces life as a husband, father, and mentor.
Rather than simply taking another acting gig, Klein says portraying a pastor felt like a natural extension of who he has become off-screen.
"Every once in a while, a character in a story comes around, and where you are as an artist, and where you are in your life, they just line up," Klein explained. "I really found that with Pastor Tom."
The faith-centered comedy follows two fraternity friends who dodge expulsion by pretending to be counselors at a Christian youth camp-despite having little interest in church, camping, or children. What begins as a desperate scheme soon turns into an unexpected journey of grace, redemption, and personal transformation.
Klein says those themes are exactly what drew him to the project.
"At its heart, it's a story about finding grace in yourself and becoming a better person than you were," he said. "That's a story that resonates for all of us."
Although he laughed off any suggestion that he's preparing for ministry in real life, Klein admitted the pastoral role resonated because of where he is in this season of life.
"I'm a father. I've come of age. I am now a mentor to young people," he shared. "I have two children of my own. My volunteer service these days is spent coaching and supporting my children's goals, ambitions, inspirations, and their friends."
The actor also credited longtime friend and filmmaker Chris Dowling for bringing him into the project, saying he had wanted to collaborate with the director for years.
Beyond the film itself, Klein believes audiences are increasingly embracing stories rooted in faith, hope, and family values. He said he has witnessed a "very healthy appetite" for Christian and family-friendly entertainment, suggesting Hollywood may finally be recognizing a market that believers have supported for decades.
With Bad Counselors blending broad comedy with themes of forgiveness, mentorship, and redemption, Klein hopes audiences leave the theater entertained-but also reminded that second chances are possible.
For an actor best known for his comedic roles, stepping into the shoes of a preacher may seem unexpected. But for Chris Klein, it wasn't just another character-it was one that reflected the man he has become.
