‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Review: Milo Ventimiglia Joins For Musically Inspired Sequel To 2018 Faith-Based Sleeper Hit

In 2018 the sleeper hit, I Can Only Imagine , rocked the faith-based movie world and became a huge hit, earning $83 million domestic on only a $7 million budget. Naturally Lionsgate, and the Kingdom Story Company with which it has a deal to make movies in this genre, would think about a sequel, except […] I Can Only Imagine 2 Lionsgate In 2018 the sleeper hit, I Can Only Imagine , rocked the faith-based movie world and became a huge hit, earning $83 million domestic on only a $7 million budget. Naturally Lionsgate, and the Kingdom Story Company with which it has a deal to make movies in this genre, would think about a sequel, except that first film ended on such a high it seems to stand alone. It was about the writing of a smash song that would resonate high atop the Christian music industry and become the impetus for the equally successful movie about how it came about. What more is there to tell? Well, plenty as it turns out. Now in the sequel coming 8 years later the task is a little more difficult as it deals once more with Bart Millard (played again by John Michael Finley), frontman for the Christian music group, MercyMe. The first film was about his dealing with an abusive and not supportive dad (Dennis Quaid) which ultimately led to forgiveness and the creation of the chart-topping “I Can Only Imagine” . The new film darts back and forth in time as Millard is married to Shannon (Sophie Skelton) and they have a young son, Sam who has a serious diabetes condition and nearly died, a development that caused lots of grief for Bart who is also trying to deal with his overnight success and life on the road. Cut to ten years later Sam is a bright teenager with an eye toward a music career like his dad’s, but unfortunately Bart as the overprotective father is only concerned with Sam getting his shot every day just to stay healthy and alive and does not give him any encouragement, similar to how his own late father acted (Quaid appears in several brief flashbacks). Also manager Scott Brickell ( country star Trace Adkins returning in the role) has lined up the biggest road tour ever for the group and that includes a spot for Sam to tag along, but not perform if Bart has his way. Related Stories Casting Milo Ventimiglia To Headline 'American Blue' HBO Max Cop Drama Pilot; David Ayer To Direct