Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have acquired the North American rights to Jon and Andrew Erwin’s faith-based drama “I Can Only Imagine.”
The drama will star Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Shirer and J. Michael Finley. It tells the true story behind the song of ultimate hope, “I Can Only Imagine.” It follows Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, who wrote what is now the most-played radio single in Christian music history.
“This is an extraordinary movie about the power of faith, love, family, and music,” said Roadside Attractions Co-Presidents and Co-Founders Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff. “The Erwins bring world-class storytelling and production values to faith-based films. It’s no surprise they have attracted such a phenomenal cast to their latest feature. We are thrilled to be bringing it to theatrical audiences nationwide.”
“We are delighted to be working with the talented Erwin brothers who have an incredible vision for both the film and the music,” added Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions Jason Constantine. “Coming on the heels of our faith-based box office hit, ‘The Shack,’ ‘I Can Only Imagine’ will touch audiences everywhere. We are very excited to bring this wonderful story to the big screen.”
This is the fourth feature for the Erwin Brothers, whose previous films include “October Baby,” “Mom’s Night Out” and “Woodlawn.” “I Can Only Imagine” was produced by Kevin Downes, Cindy Bond and Daryl Lefever. Travis Mann, Scott Brickell and Simon Swart serve as executive producers.
The deal was negotiation for Lionsgate by Constantine, Eda Kowan, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions and Lauren Freeman, Director of Acquisitions. Howard Cohen negotiated the deal on behalf of Roadside Attractions. Kevin Downes negotiated the deal for the producers along with Thomas Vidal of Pryor Cashman LLP.
The film will be released in North American theaters on March 16 of next year.
10 Highest Grossing Christian-Themed Movies, From 'The Ten Commandments' to 'God's Not Dead' (Photos)
On Easter weekend, TheWrap lists the top 10 highest grossing Christian films in box office history.
10."Miracles From Heaven" (2016)
The Jennifer Garner film made $61.7 million this year on a budget of $13 million, good for eighth all time, adjusted for inflation.
Fox
9. "God's Not Dead" (2014)
Starring Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A.R. White, and Dean Cain, "God's Not Dead" opened to $60.8 million in 2014 ($61.8 million adjusted for inflation) on a budget of $2 million. Its box office success warranted a 2016 sequel.
7. "War Room" (2015)
The Sony Pictures film raised holy hell at the box office when it opened in August of 2015. It ended up making $67.8 million on a budget of $3 million. Adjusted for inflation, that's $68.8 million.
TriStar Pictures
6. "I Can Only Imagine" (2018)
Jon and Andrew Erwins' take on the story behind MercyMe's record-setting Christian single was so successful ($83 million grossed) that it led to the creation of a new faith-based studio, Kingdom Story Company
Lionsgate
5."Heaven Is For Real" (2014)
Having grossed $92.9 million (adjusted for inflation), the film starring Greg Kinnear is the fourth highest-grossing Christian film on our list at $944.4 million inflation-adjusted dollars.
Screen Gems
4. "Noah" (2014)
On a budget of $125 million, "Noah," starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, made $101.2 million at the domestic box office in 2014. That would tick up to $102.8 million today.
Paramount
3. "The Passion of the Christ" (2004)
Directed by Mel Gibson, "Passion" was a major commercial hit despite controversy it raised and mixed reviews it received. The film grossed $370.7 million in 2004, which works out to $472.3 million adjusted for inflation. It was produced for just $30 million.
Fox
2. "Ben-Hur" (1959)
The original "Ben-Hur," which received 11 Academy Awards, tops the list of highest-grossing Christian movies, having made $74 million back in 1959, equal to $611.9 million in today's dollars.
MGM
1. "The Ten Commandments (1956)
Cecil B. Demille's biblical epic was the "Avengers" of the 50s, with $122 million grossed in its initial theatrical run. Adjusted for inflation, it has earned over $2 billion in lifetime grosses at the box office
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”God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness“ is the latest faith-based film to hit theaters
On Easter weekend, TheWrap lists the top 10 highest grossing Christian films in box office history.