‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Trailer Debuts: 'It’s a Beautiful Story,' Director Says

Michael Foust

Audio By Carbonatix

Crosswalk.com

The trailer for the faith-based film I Can Only Imagine 2 dropped Wednesday, previewing a story about a Christian band battling family trials behind the scenes even as it enjoys success and sold-out arenas.

It is a sequel to the 2018 hit movie I Can Only Imagine, which followed the story of MercyMe’s Bart Millard and the redemption of his broken relationship with his father -- a redemption that was the heart behind the song of the same name.

I Can Only Imagine 2 continues the story of Millard, who is a well-known artist in the film but whose past threatens his career, according to a plot summary. The story takes a turn when Millard meets Christian singer Tim Timmons, who helps him rediscover gratitude and begin restoring his relationship with his wife and son.

Much like the first film, the sequel also centers on a song: this time MercyMe’s Even If, co-written by Timmons and the band. It is a Kingdom Story Company film.

I Can Only Imagine 2 is directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, and stars John Michael Finley once again as Millard, Sophie Skelton as Shannon Millard, Milo Ventimiglia as Timmons and Arielle Kebbel as Hilary Timmons. Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid also return.

“We had such an amazing time with I Can Only Imagine eight years ago [but] the idea of going back -- we didn't think was possible,” Erwin told Crosswalk Headlines. “But Bart and MercyMe keep living an interesting life.”

The team at Kingdom Story discovered that “there’s more story to tell,” Erwin said.

“And we found out the story behind the song Even If and all the things that kind of came out of it,” Erwin said. “And it was such an amazing story, and involved Tim Timmons and this amazing father-son story with Bart and his son and the writing of that song.

“The first movie kind of had the happily ever after. On this one, we break the happily ever after, and we ask: What is life after that? And this one ends with this idea of gratitude. And it's a beautiful story.”

Millard says the story carries a powerful message of God’s peace and guidance amid trials.

“At the height of our career, we were still struggling with stuff, and hopefully people can relate to that,” Millard told Crosswalk Headlines. “You know, life keeps happening regardless of what accolades we get.”

The first film was a hit at the box office and grossed $83 million domestically, placing it in the Top 40 for the year.

Timmons said the film’s themes are universal.

“Everybody deals with sorrow,” Timmons said. “So it's just a movie inviting people into hanging out with Jesus in the midst of their sorrow, with grief and gratitude.”

Image credit: Kingdom Story Company, used with permission