Lionsgate announces sequel to I Can Only Imagine

Mainstream entertainment company Lionsgate plans to release a sequel to the hit biopic of the Christian band MercyMe. I Can Only Imagine 2 will mark a continuation of Lionsgate’s partnership with the religious film group, Kingdom Story Company, according to a news release out this month. The companies first partnered in producing 2018’s I Can Only Imagine which garnered over $83 million at the U.S. box office. The studios continued working together to produce hit Christian films including Jesus Revolution and, recently, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

The studio is excited to tell more of singer/songwriter Bart Millard’s story, said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson. The film’s emotional truth and core purity will connect with audiences everywhere, he added. Directors collaborated with Millard to craft an inspiring and unexpected take that will hook longtime fans of the original film and new watchers, said film producer and Kingdom Story CEO Kevin Downes.

What do we know about the sequel? The movie will focus on the story of MercyMe frontman, once again portrayed by John Michael Finley. Actor Dennis Quaid and country singer Trace Adkins will also reprise their roles, according to the news release. Milo Ventimiglia will also join the cast playing Tim Timmons, the breakout Christian singer/songwriter known for collaborating with MercyMe. Ventimiglia recently portrayed Jack Pearson on the award-winning TV show This Is Us, after gaining wide recognition for playing Jess Mariano on the TV drama Gilmore Girls.

Dig deeper: Listen to Myrna Brown’s report for more on Tim Timmons and his fight with a rare form of cancer. Also, read Megan Basham’s review of the original 2018 film.