By Leah MarieAnn KlettAssistant Editor Sunday December 29, 2024
Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company have announced that they are moving forward with two new projects: “I Can Only Imagine 2,” a sequel to the Box office hit of 2018 which grossed more than $83 million domestically, and “Unbreakable Boy,” which hit theaters in February 2025.
“I Can Only Imagine 2,” which continues the inspiring true story of MercyMe frontman Bart Millard, will go into production with co-directors Brent McCorkle and Andrew Erwin, who also co-wrote the screenplay, according to Variety.
Returning to their roles are John Michael Finley as Bart Millard, Dennis Quaid as his father, Arthur, and Trace Adkins as Scott Brickell, MercyMe’s manager. The cast will be joined by Milo Ventimiglia, best known for “This Is Us,” who will play singer-songwriter Tim Timmons.
Receive our latest news for FREE
Subscribe to receive daily/weekly email with the best stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.
“We are thrilled to once again collaborate with Kingdom on this continuation of Bart’s incredible story and are confident that the winning combination of emotional truth and pure heart will resonate with audiences everywhere,” said Adam Fogelson, Chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Producers Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Cindy Bond, Bart Millard, Daryl Lefever and Joshua Walsh expressed their excitement about revisiting the world of “I Can Only Imagine.”
“’I Can Only Imagine’ captured the hearts of audiences when it was released, and continues to provide hope and encouragement to millions around the world,” said Downes. “The success of that film led to the creation of Kingdom Story Company, where our mission is to tell stories that ignite a ‘storm of hope’, and that’s why we’re excited to return to this world and share the rest of Being able to explore Bart’s life. incredible journey in the first sequel of our company. Co-directors Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, along with Bart Millard, have created an emotionally rich, inspiring and unexpected version that will appeal to fans of the original and newcomers alike.
The first “I Can Only Imagine” follows the true story of Millard, who endured a difficult upbringing at the hands of his father, who eventually died of cancer after embracing Christianity. His experience inspired him to write the mega-hit song ‘I Can Only Imagine’.
“The story beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love – or too far from an eternal home in heaven,” according to the film’s synopsis.
In 2018, Millard applauded filmmakers for doing what he called “great work with a redemption story,” adding, “It’s kind of scary to make a faith-based movie.” I didn’t want it to be low-hanging fruit or some kind of corny movie, and I think they captured the emotion really well. There were some scenes for me while watching the movie that made me feel really uncomfortable because I was kind of reliving the movie and I think that’s a sign that I did a good job.”
The sequel promises to delve deeper into Millard’s journey, offering an “emotionally rich and inspiring” experience for fans of the original film and newcomers alike.
Also from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company comes “The Unbreakable Boy,” another inspiring film based on the true story documented in The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, A Son’s Courage, and A Story of Unconditional Love by Scott M. LeRette and Susy Flory
Directed by Jon Gunn and written by Gunn, the film follows Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy) as they navigate life with their son Austin, who is both autistic and suffers from bone disease. The family story of faith, joy and resilience highlights how even the most difficult days can become moments of gratitude and courage.
The film stars Levi, Fahy, Jacob Laval, Drew Powell, Peter Facinelli and Patricia Heaton, and is produced by Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Jerilyn Esquibel, Peter Facinelli and Andrew Erwin. “The Unbreakable Boy” will be released in theaters on February 21, 2025.
Levi, who has described himself as “Christian-adjacent,” previously starred in the faith-based film “American Underdog,” created by Jon and Andy Erwin. In a 2021 interview with CP about the film, the actor said he believes God orchestrated the timing of all his projects.
“Almost every job I’ve gotten so far has been something that has found me in some way, and that’s really God,” he recalled. “We’re trying to figure out what the next cool job would be for me. And then suddenly God says, ‘Do this now, because I think this will be a very good thing for you.’
Levi continued: “I couldn’t make this movie at all. The pandemic happened; suddenly my schedule opened up. (The Erwins) said, ‘Yo, now that you’re free, we always imagined you might play this role. Would you consider doing it?’ I’ve read the script. It was great. And then it all happened. And now here we are, and it all feels very predestined. It feels like God’s fingerprints were all over it.”
The films follow “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” directed by Dallas Jenkins, which earned more than $32 million at the domestic box office and $26.4 million worldwide. The movie was one success at the box officeexceeding expectations and tripling its budget of less than $10 million.
At the film’s red carpet premiere, Andy Erwin told The Christian Post that Kingdom Story Company aims to make films that emphasize hope and redemption for both Christian and mainstream audiences.
“Redemption is at the heart of everything we do, it has to be about the idea of redemption that promotes hope,” he said. “I think these are the stories that really speak to us as people of faith, but also invite an external audience to really understand what we believe. We tried to find different variations of those kinds of stories.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]