EXCLUSIVE: Sony‘s AFFIRM Films has dated Soul on Fire, its new film inspired by the life of inspirational speaker John O’Leary, for release in theaters nationwide on October 10.
The drama will serve as counterprogramming to Amazon MGM’s #MeToo thriller After the Hunt, Disney’s Tron: Ares, and The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, all of which are scheduled to open the same weekend.
William H. Macy (Fargo), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), and Joel Courtney (Jesus Revolution) star in the film, directed by Sean McNamara (Reagan), which adapts O’Leary’s 2016 bestseller of the same name. As seen in the film, O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near-death accident when he was 9 years old. Given no chance of survival, John endures an unbelievable road to recovery with the support of his family, faith, community and the kindness of his all-time idol, Baseball Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for his miracle and shaped by life’s struggles, John’s mission to better the world inspires millions to do the extraordinary.
Also starring DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution), Masey McLain (The Baxters), and Stephanie Szostak (A Million Little Things), Soul on Fire was adapted for the screen by Gregory Poirier. Producers included J. Todd Harris, Margaret French Isaac, David Brookwell, and McNamara. The EPs are Linda Blum Huntington, O’Leary, Michael Riney, Quirsis Riney, Terry Schnuck, and Poirier. Amy Powers and Toni Farina served as co-producers. Brookwell McNamara Entertainment, Branded Pictures Entertainment, Margaret French Isaac Entertainment, and Linda B. Huntington Productions are the production compaies.
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In a statement to Deadline on his decision to direct the picture, McNamara said, “I make movies about miracles. I believe in miracles. John O’Leary is a walking miracle. I’ve been blessed to film his extraordinary story that has inspired people to overcome extreme loss. While making Soul On Fire I watched John speak to a group of ‘Wounded Warriors’ and was blown away at his speaking talents, and his ability to transform lives by telling them his amazing story detailed in his book, On Fire. I can’t wait to share with the world the story of John O’Leary’s miraculous life.”
Stated Rich Peluso, head of AFFIRM Film, “We’ve followed John’s developing story for years and when the call came in from Sean McNamara about the opportunity to partner together again, we jumped in. The life-changing elements of this story are what we look for at AFFIRM and what our audiences connect to so enthusiastically.”
