First Look: I Can Only Imagine 2 Trailer Promises a Heartfelt Journey of Faith and Family

The wait is over, Christian movie fans! Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company have just dropped the first official trailer, poster, and stunning stills for I Can Only Imagine 2, set to hit theaters nationwide on February 20, 2026. If the original I Can Only Imagine touched your heart with its raw story of redemption through MercyMe’s iconic song, this sequel promises to dive deeper, exploring faith tested by fame, family struggles, and the hope that rises from life’s toughest trials. Here’s everything we know about this inspiring next chapter—and why it’s a must-see for believers.

(Photo Credits: Jack Giles Netter / Courtesy of Lionsgate)

A Story That Hits Close to Home

Seven years ago, I Can Only Imagine (2018) became a cultural milestone, grossing over $83 million and bringing Bart Millard’s story of forgiveness and God’s grace to life. The film’s emotional weight and MercyMe’s anthem resonated with audiences, proving faith-based films could shine at the box office. Now, I Can Only Imagine 2 picks up where Bart’s journey left off, tackling the messy, beautiful reality of living out faith under pressure.

Directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle (Jesus Revolution), the sequel follows Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) as he navigates sold-out arenas and personal struggles. The spotlight has brought success but strained his family, especially his bond with his son, Sam (Sammy Dell), and wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton, Outlander). When new bandmate Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia, This Is Us) joins MercyMe for their biggest tour, his hardships and secrets spark a friendship that challenges Bart to confront his past and fight for what matters most.

Inspired by the true story behind MercyMe’s hit “Even If,” the film weaves gratitude in grief, echoing Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” With a cast including Dennis Quaid (as Bart’s father), Trace Adkins, and Arielle Kebbel, this drama blends raw emotion, spiritual depth, and family-focused storytelling.

Watch the Trailer: A Glimpse of Hope in the Fire

The trailer sets the tone with breathtaking visuals, MercyMe’s soul-stirring music, and Bart’s battle to balance fame and family. From tender moments with his son to tension-filled scenes of doubt, it captures the heart of “Even If”—a song born from pain and unwavering faith. Directors Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle call this a “deeply personal” project, with Erwin noting, “Learning how Tim Timmons and Bart Millard co-wrote ‘Even If’ out of deep lived-faith moved us to tears.” McCorkle adds, “Its themes of finding gratitude in our grief and discovering beauty from ashes feel more relevant now than ever.”

Why This Matters for Christian Audiences

In a world where faith is tested by life’s fires, I Can Only Imagine 2 reminds us of God’s presence in our struggles. Its focus on repairing family bonds and finding hope resonates with ChristianPodcast.com’s mission to inspire through faith-filled stories. Whether you’re a MercyMe fan, a parent wrestling with priorities, or seeking encouragement, this film will speak to your heart. Kingdom Story Company, known for American Underdog, ensures an authentic, Christ-centered narrative. Stay tuned for our podcast episode with Mili, reacting to the trailer and diving into its themes—perfect for your next commute!

Let’s Talk: What’s Your “Even If” Story?

we await I Can Only Imagine 2’s release, we want to hear from you! What trials has God walked you through, and how has your faith grown? Share your story in the comments or on our socials—we’ll feature some in our upcoming podcast. Let’s build a community of hope as we count down to February 2026!