The long-awaited sequel to the 2018 faith-based phenomenon I Can Only Imagine has made a strong entrance in theaters nationwide. I Can Only Imagine 2 debuted at #3 at the domestic box office in its opening weekend, reaffirming the powerful audience demand for inspirational, faith-driven storytelling on the big screen.
The sequel arrives nine years after the original I Can Only Imagine** stunned Hollywood by grossing more than $83 million domestically, becoming one of the most successful independent faith-based films of all time. What began as the deeply personal backstory behind Bart Millard's chart-topping worship anthem has now grown into a continuing cinematic journey.
In I Can Only Imagine 2, the story shifts from the pain of a son seeking reconciliation with his father to the emotional complexities of fatherhood itself. Picking up years after MercyMe's breakthrough success, Bart Millard now faces new challenges within his own family. The film explores generational healing, the pressures of life on the road, and the spiritual wrestling that inspired songs like MercyMe's "Even If."
Actor John Michael Finley reprises his role as Millard, joined by returning cast members and new faces that deepen the narrative. Produced by Kingdom Story Company in partnership with Lionsgate, the film continues the franchise's signature blend of authentic testimony, emotional depth, and redemptive hope.
Early audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with moviegoers praising the sequel's vulnerability and its honest portrayal of faith tested through family struggles. The strong box office debut signals that audiences remain eager for stories rooted in grace, perseverance, and real-life testimony.
As faith-based films continue carving out space in mainstream theaters, I Can Only Imagine 2 proves that stories anchored in worship and redemption still resonate widely - and that Bart Millard's journey is far from over.
