AceShowbiz -

A first look at Gerard Butler in an upcoming Marc Foster-directed action biopic film, "Machine Gun Preacher", has been unveiled. The photo sees Buttler as Sam Childers, a man who dedicates his life to rescue children who are kidnapped to become child soldiers in Sudan war zone.

Comparing Childers with other characters he's ever played in a movie, Butler told USA Today, "Those other roles were based on historic who became the stuff of legend, but Sam is a guy of our times." He continued, "There is more complexity in a modern-day character who's a drug addict and a biker turned businessman, missionary and soldier. You don't get roles like this very often."

Buttler also described Childers as a "dominant alpha male." He said, "When I walked into Sam's house, he has been built up by everyone, I didn't know what to expect. I met this absolutely alpha male who on one hand loves the attention but on the other hand loves the company of his family and friends."

"This is his story and this is his moment to tell it to the world," the 41-year-old Scottish actor added. "But there is a darkness in him as well. He could not go through all the things that are in the movie by being Mr. Nice Guy."

Meanwhile, Foster explained that he wanted to present an imperfect hero in his movie, and he considered Butler as the most prominent figure. "He's one of those movie stars today that I feel is a real man," so Foster gushed. "There are very few around. He has this incredible rawness."

Scheduled for September 23 release in limited U.S. theaters, "Machine Gun Preacher" tells a true story of Childers, a former gang biker who renounces his outlaw ways and embarks on a spiritual path. He becomes a warrior for the desperate and helpless children in a war-torn country in Africa. The film is also starring Michelle Monaghan, Michael Shannon and Kathy Baker, with Jason Keller as the screenwriter.