Travis Kelce Reflects on ‘Incredible Experience’ as First-Time Movie Producer Ahead of My Dead Friend Zoe Premiere
Post-Super Bowl loss, Kelce said his “hope is to continue working on meaningful projects” like his debut film
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Travis Kelce. Photo: Will Heath/NBC via Getty
Travis Kelce is feeling proud ahead of his debut as a film producer.
Fresh off of a disappointing loss for the Chiefs in the 2025 Super Bowl, Kelce, 35, is looking ahead to the release of My Dead Friend Zoe, the first feature film on which he serves as an executive producer.
“Being part of My Dead Friend Zoe as an executive producer has been an incredible experience,” Kelce said in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
The film “tells a compelling story and shines a light on the challenges our veterans face,” the tight end continued. “My hope is to continue working on meaningful projects like this — stories that entertain, inspire and make a real impact,” Kelce said in the statement, noting that he’s “proud to be a part of” the film, about an Army vet (Sonequa Martin-Green) dealing with PTSD after her friend, a fellow soldier (Natalie Morales), dies.
Kelce went on to describe My Dead Friend Zoe as a film “that tells a powerful story and puts two strong female characters at the forefront,” of the movie. “Sonequa and Natalie bring depth and authenticity to their performances, highlighting the strength, resilience and leadership of women in the military,” he said in the statement.
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Travis Kelce at the Super Bowl Championship Ring Ceremony on June 15, 2023 at Union Station in Kansas City, MO.Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty
The film’s director, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, tells PEOPLE that it was “incredible” having Kelce as an executive producer. “While our schedules didn’t align for him to visit set or meet the cast, it was clear from the outset that Travis signed on because of his support for the military and veterans,” Hausmann-Stokes shares.
“Everyone on this film — from the leads, to our 90% real veteran cast, to the crew, producers and army of investors that made the film possible — was doing it for social impact and greater causes. It was an honor to have Travis among our ranks for those same reasons.”
In a previous interview with Screen Rant Plus, the director said it was “surreal” when Kelce signed on as a producer. “He’s really brought so much additional attention and ultimately, selfishly, I want people to enjoy this film…I think what Travis did for us was just this tidal wave of energy and exposure.”
Kelce also partnered with My Dead Friend Zoe producing partners, Ray Maiello and Mike Field, for an upcoming documentary about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, PEOPLE confirmed in March 2024.
According to ArtNews, the project is called King Pleasure and the production team has been given access to Basquiat’s archives from the late artist’s estate. The film will utilize “never-before-seen home movies, notebooks, photographs, animation, and interviews” through the access from the artist’s estate, according to a report from Deadline.
My Dead Friend Zoe premieres in theaters on Feb. 28.