By Michaela Gordoni
The Dallas Jenkins-directed movie WHAT IF… will return to theaters 15 years after its release.
WHAT IF…, starring Kevin Sorbo, retells IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE in modern times. It will land in theaters Aug. 5 and 7.
“Before THE CHOSEN, this was the project that changed everything for me. WHAT IF… helped me realize the kinds of stories I want to tell,” said Jenkins in a press release. “To this day, I hear from people who loved it, so I was thrilled to reconnect with the cast so we could bring back this movie to a new audience.”
The movie marked the start of both Jenkins’ and Sorbo’s faith-based media careers. The movie also stars Kristy Swanson, Debby Ryan and John Ratzenberger.
The story focuses on Ben Walker, a workaholic who strayed from faith, but one day he wakes up in a different life. He’s a small-town pastor, married to his college girlfriend.
“Dallas Jenkins is a true visionary, and WHAT IF… is where it all began, Fifteen years later — and after all of the profound success Fathom Entertainment accomplished with Dallas and his team on THE CHOSEN — this is a terrific opportunity to revisit HAT IF… with a special Fathom presentation,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment. “Audiences are going to be moved by this film all over again — and the new reunion footage makes it even more meaningful for audiences to see it all on the big screen.”
Related: Dallas Jenkins Among Hollywood’s Top 50 Most Influential Showrunners
The theatrical release will feature never-before-seen bonus content, including a cast reunion and roundtable that Jenkins hosts. Film collaborator and producer Michael Scott reveals a peek of the film’s creation and shares its current relevance.
“Fifteen years later, WHAT IF… remains a powerful reminder of how God can redirect our path for something greater,” said Scott, CEO of Pinnacle Peak Pictures. “This story has stood the test of time.”
In a recent video on the movie’s Instagram account, Jenkins said, “My kids tell me it’s the best movie I’ve made.”
Movieguide® gave the movie a +4 review and awarded Sorbo the annual Grace Prize® for his performance in the movie.
Part of Movieguide®’s review reads, “Kevin Sorbo does a terrific job as Ben. Another bright light in the movie is John Ratzenberger. He is the funniest angel to come along in a long time. The dialogue is terrific and funny. What makes the movie work is the direction. Dallas Jenkins exercises his considerable talent to bring out the best in each actor and tell the story in a heartwarming, hilarious, evangelistic manner.
Read Next: Dallas Jenkins Reunites With Cast from ‘One of My Favorite Projects’
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