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By Lillie Liska
Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films unveiled the official poster and a brand-new “heart of” featurette Tuesday for FLYWHEEL: IGNITION OF THE SOUL, the highly anticipated Brazilian reimagining of the Kendrick Brothers’ debut movie, set to open exclusively in US theaters on Oct. 16, 2026.
“FLYWHEEL was the first story God gave us as filmmakers, so seeing it reimagined through the talent and vision of Brazilian filmmakers has been incredibly special,” executive producer and screenwriter Alex Kendrick said in a press release. “While this version brings a fresh cultural perspective and cinematic scale, its message of redemption and transformation remains timeless.”
The “heart of” featurette gives audiences an inside look at the movie’s remarkable origin — how the Kendrick Brothers partnered with emerging local filmmakers in Brazil and launched a production in record time. On-the-ground footage from Rio de Janeiro, candid cast and crew reflections and the shared conviction that faith-driven storytelling can cross every border and language make it well worth watching ahead of the October release.
Set against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, FLYWHEEL: IGNITION OF THE SOUL follows Noah Silva, a charismatic used-car salesman whose “do whatever it takes” approach to business starts unraveling at home and at work. After a series of wake-up calls, Noah embarks on a deeply personal journey to restore his integrity while trying to win back the hearts of his wife and son.
The remake grew directly out of THE FORGE, which opened at No. 1 in the Brazilian market in 2024. During a promotional tour across the country, the Kendrick Brothers connected with churches, pastors, and local filmmakers who shared a hunger for faith-driven stories rooted in their own culture and made with genuine cinematic craft.
“This new movie is the result of one of our biggest steps of faith,” executive producer Stephen Kendrick said in the press release. “Through a lot of prayers and unexpected Brazilian partnerships, we’ve seen a string of miracles take place that has resulted in a beautiful new movie that will bless international audiences. Our hope is that it points people to the hope and freedom found in a relationship with Christ and inspires a new generation of filmmakers to utilize their gifts for God’s glory.”
The movie stars Mario Bregieira, Pérola Faria, Guilherme Tavares, Felipe Folgosi, Adriano Canindé and Elizeu Rodrigues, with Alex Kendrick. Written by Alex Kendrick and directed by Alessandro Barros, the movie will be dubbed and subtitled in English for its US theatrical release. Mark Miller, Daniel Friesen and Wiltonauar Moura produced, alongside executive producers Jim McBride and Ygor Siqueira.
The original FLYWHEEL launched what became one of the most decorated runs in faith-based moviemaking. COURAGEOUS earned the Epiphany Prize® at the 20th Annual Movieguide® Faith & Values Awards Gala for Most Inspiring Movie of 2011, with Alex Kendrick also taking home the Grace Award for Most Inspiring Performance that same night. WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER followed with Epiphany Prizes® in 2016 and 2020 respectively, and FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, WAR ROOM, OVERCOMER, and COURAGEOUS have all earned Movieguide® Teddy Bear Awards.
AFFIRM Films, launched in 2007 as part of Sony Pictures Entertainment, has generated more than $720 million at the global box office. Its catalog includes SOUL SURFER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, OVERCOMER, RISEN, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN and THE FORGE.
FLYWHEEL: IGNITION OF THE SOUL opens in US theaters Oct. 16, 2026. For more, visit flywheelignitionofthesoulmovie.com or follow @FlywheeltheMovie on social media.
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