By Kayla DeKraker
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 has moved up its release date a month earlier. Originally slated for March 20, 2026, the inspirational film will now release Feb. 26, 2026.
The movie will continue the story of Christian band MercyMe’s front man Bart Millard, who is played once again by John Finley. It will also star Milo Ventimiglia, Arielle Kebbel, Joshua Bassett, Sophie Skelton, Sammy Dell, Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid.
Finley recently expressed his excitement to return to the role for a second time.
“I’m really excited,” he told ChurchLeaders. “I’m getting excited for everybody else to get excited, you know, because I’m kind of on the inside. I’ve read the script and we’ve got kind of a game plan, and I think people are going to be really excited.”
Movieguide®’s review of the first movie reads, “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE is the story behind the most-played Christian contemporary song, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ by the band MercyMe. Since he was a young boy, Bart Millard’s father, Arthur, was emotionally and physically abusive. When Bart isn’t able to fulfill his own father’s dream of being a football star, Bart enters the world of music.”
The review explains Millard’s journey into his band and how God restores his relationship with his father. Movieguide® noted that “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE warrants only a light caution for younger children because of tastefully executed abusive violence.”
Thanks to its inspiring themes, it won Movieguide®’s Epiphany Prize® in 2019.
Last month, the I CAN ONLY IMAGINE Instagram revealed the sequel is “officially in production!”
The film comes from Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate.
Related: I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 to Begin Production This Spring
Kingdom Story company executive Kevin Downs said that the success of the first I CAN ONLY IMAGINE “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.”
Downs praised those working on the film and is confident it will touch many who watch it.
“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,” he said.
A behind-the-scenes teaser of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 sees Erwin raising his hands in worship while filming, exclaiming “Oh my gosh” as someone sings the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” He added in the caption, “Wish you guys could see what I’m seeing. Stay tuned. Red Rocks. IMAGINE 2!”
Fans will get to see what Erwin was watching a month sooner than expected, as I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 arrives in theaters February 2026.
Read Next: I CAN ONLY IMAGINE Becomes the Highest Grossing Movie for its Distributor
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +4