By Christian Headlines | Created at 2025-01-02 19:45:08 | Updated at 2025-01-05 02:47:26
2 days ago
A sequel to the 2018 hit movie I Can Only Imagine is in the works. Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate announced in recent days that production for I Can Only Imagine 2 will begin during the spring of 2025, directed by Brent McCorkle and Andrew Erwin based of a screenplay written by McCorkle.
I Can Only Imagine is one of the most successful faith-based movies of all time and tells the true-life story of Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe and the inspiration behind the band's chart-topping song of the same name.
The film chronicles Millard's childhood, his strained relationship with his abusive father, and how their eventual reconciliation inspired Millard to write the popular Christian song.
McCorkle previously co-directed Jesus Revolution, another faith-based hit. Andrew Erwin served as a producer on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Unsung Hero, and other successful faith-based movies.
The sequel will include many of the cast from the first film. John Michael Finley will return as Millard, and Dennis Quaid as his father. Trace Adkins will once again portray Scott Brickell, MercyMe's manager. In a new role, Milo Ventimiglia will play singer/songwriter Tim Timmons.
"I Can Only Imagine captured the hearts of audiences when it was released and continues to provide hope and encouragement to millions around the globe," said Kevin Downes, a film producer and an executive at Kingdom Story Company.
"The success of that film led to the founding of Kingdom Story Company, where our mission is to tell stories that ignite a 'rush of hope,' and so we are thrilled that we get to return to this world and explore the rest of Bart's incredible journey in our company's first sequel. Co-directors Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, along with Bart Millard, have crafted an emotionally rich, inspiring, and unexpected take that will appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers alike."
Kingdom Story is the same company that was behind The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Jesus Revolution, Unsung Hero and Ordinary Angels.
Films based on true experiences, Erwin said, have power.
"The Bible said that they overcame the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the power of their testimony," Erwin told Crosswalk Headlines, referencing Revelation 12:11. "And there's something really powerful about your personal story. And that's why we tell the stories we do and we're privileged to get to do that each and every day to do stories that matter."
Photo Credit: ©Roadside
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
