Mars Callahan Poker
Poker Junkies, LLC, is the enterprise supporting director Mars Callahan's forthcoming film of the same title. With nearly three decades of Hollywood industry experience, Mr. Callahan notably directed and starred in the 2002 film Poolhall Junkies. In it, he played a pool hustler who became involved in a game of outsized stakes involving his brother's life. Poker Junkies is a sequel to that career-launching vehicle, in which the main character leverages his experience in billiards in making a run at high-stakes Texas hold 'em glory.
The upcoming film mirrors Mars Callahan's longtime passion for poker, which began well before the current boom. He and friends maintained a weekly stud game that brought around a host of colorful characters, including thespians Leif Garrett, Vince Vaughan, and Paul Johansson. In addition to Mars Callahan reprising his title role, Poker Junkies will star real-life Australian poker legend Joe Hachem as well as Christopher Walken, who financed and starred in Callahan's directorial debut.
Poker Junkies, LLC, represents more than just a soon-to-be-released independent film. The company encompasses the free online gaming site pokerjunkies.net, which offers members a choice between video poker, triple play, and royal hold 'em. Players have the opportunity to play virtual poker with celebrities, including past World Series of Poker final table finisher Scott Lazar, and win cash prizes. Poker Junkies, LLC, also offers a wide range of merchandise related to the film slated for 2013 release, including t-shirts, baseball caps, and hoodies.
In addition to Poker Junkies, Mars Callahan has had acting roles in movies such as That Thing You Do! and appeared on the nationally syndicated television programs Cagney and Lacey, ER, and The Office.