Fresh off the holiday hit The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company are in preparation for production on I Can Only Imagine 2, a sequel to the breakout hit I Can Only Imagine. The 2018 film I Can Only Imagine took in over $83 million in domestic box office. The sequel will be directed by Brent McCorkle and Andrew Erwin from a screenplay written by McCorkle.
I Can Only Imagine 2 will continue the inspirational true story of Bart Millard, once again played by John Michael Finley. Other returning cast members include Dennis Quaid, reprising his role as Arthur, and Trace Adkins, returning as Scott Brickell, MercyMe’s manager. Milo Ventimiglia will play singer/songwriter Tim Timmons in a new role.
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said,
“We’re excited to be partnering once again with Kingdom on this continuation of Bart’s incredible story and are confident its winning combination of emotional truth and pure heart will connect with audiences everywhere.”
“I Can Only Imagine” tells the inspiring true story behind the hit song of the same name by the Christian band MercyMe. The movie focuses on the life of Bart Millard, the band’s lead singer, and his tumultuous relationship with his abusive father, Arthur. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Bart struggles with feelings of abandonment and pain stemming from his father’s harsh treatment and the departure of his mother.
The narrative explores Bart’s journey from a troubled youth to finding solace and strength in music. As he pursues his dream of becoming a successful musician, Bart confronts his past and the deep-seated hurt caused by his father’s actions. The film highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of faith and music.
A pivotal part of the story is the reconciliation between Bart and his father, who undergoes a profound personal transformation after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. This reconciliation inspires Bart to write “I Can Only Imagine,” a song that captures the hope of Heaven and the possibility of healing broken relationships.
I Can Only Imagine was the fifth highest-grossing music biopic and sixth highest-grossing Christian film of all-time in the United States.