It’s a wonderful day to be aI Can Only Imaginefan. The hit drama movie made waves when it premiered back in 2018, and Lionsgate announced today that the wheels are finally turning for a sequel.I Can Only Imagine 2is already in production, and a major addition is coming to the cast:Milo Ventimiglia(This Is Us,Gilmore Girls) is slated to play a new character in the franchise. The production company is yet to announce the release window for the surprise sequel.
In the new installment, Ventimiglia will playTim Timmons, a singer, songwriter andChristianmusic icon that rose to prominence with his debut albumCast My Caresin 2013. Ventimiglia is joining returning cast members who have also been confirmed inI Can Only Imagine 2.John Michael Finley(Faith of Angels) is slated to reprise his role as Bart Millard.Dennis Quaid(Reagan) will once again play Arthur andTrace Adkins(Among Wolves) returns as Scott Brickell, MercyMe’s manager. Additional cast members are expected to be announced soon.
Back in 2018,I Can Only Imaginewas a surprise hit at the U.S. box office. It debuted at #3 and put up a fight against titles likeSteven Spielberg’sReady Player Oneand Marvel Studios' mega-blockbusterBlack Panther. By the end of its run, it was able to outperform titles likePacific Rim: UprisingandTomb Raider(depending on the week). The movieended its box office runwith $83 million against a minuscule budget of $7 million — meaning that the title was able to gross twelve times its cost.
‘I Can Only Imagine’ Directors Returning For Sequel
In an official statement,I Can Only Imagine 2producerKevin Downescelebrated the sequel coming to life and reminded that this was the title that made his production company Kingdom Story Company possible. He said:
“I Can Only Imaginecaptured the hearts of audiences when it was released, and continues to provide hope and encouragement to millions around the globe. 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.”
As Downes confirmed,I Can Only Imagine 2will be once again directed byBrent McCorkleandAndrew Erwin. The screenplay is penned by McCorkle, andLionsgate’sAdam Fogelsonteased that the new story is a “winning combination of emotional truth and pure heart.”
I Can Only Imagine 2is yet to get a release date and trailer.
I Can Only Imagine
A struggling artist faces the demons of his abusive past and finds solace and inspiration in his faith and music. As he grapples with the shadows of a painful relationship with his father, he writes a deeply personal song that not only seeks to mend their fractured bond but also inspires a worldwide sensation.
