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I Can Only Imagine 2 Releases: Lionsgate Sequel to 2018 Christian Biopic Draws Modest Box Office Return
On February 20, 2026, Lionsgate premiered the long‑anticipated follow‑up to the 2018 biographical drama I Can Only Imagine. Titled I Can Only Imagine 2, the film was released in the United States and is now available for streaming on Starz.
Produced by Lionsgate, the sequel was directed by Andrew Erwin with a screenplay by Brent McCorkle, who also co‑directed the original feature. The production carried an $18 million budget and entered theaters with a limited run before moving to digital and on‑demand platforms.
The story returns to Bart Millard, the frontman of contemporary Christian band MercyMe, portrayed once again by John Michael Finley. After the 2001 single I Can Only Imagine catapulted the band to fame, the film follows Millard as he confronts the health challenges of his teenage son Sam while balancing the demands of touring. The band is also preparing to record a new single, “Even If,” written by Millard himself for the narrative.
Milo Ventimiglia joins the cast as fellow Christian musician Tim Timmons, who joins the tour. The supporting lineup features Trace Adkins, Priscilla Shirer, and actors who play band members and their families.
MercyMe, formed in 1994 in Edmond, Oklahoma, has released twelve studio albums to date. Their breakthrough came with the 2001 album Almost There, which included the crossover hit “I Can Only Imagine.” The track peaked at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group several Dove Award nominations. The 2018 film chronicled the creation of the song and the early career of the band.
Financially, I Can Only Imagine 2 earned $19 million worldwide, a modest return compared with the original’s $86 million gross on a $7 million budget. Critics offered mixed reviews, noting that the sequel’s narrative is less expansive than the first film and that its box‑office performance reflects the difficulty of replicating the original’s success.
Lionsgate announced the distribution plan in January 2026, opting for a limited theatrical release followed by a quick transition to digital platforms. The movie was added to Starz’s streaming catalog shortly after its theatrical debut.
Industry analysts point out that the sequel’s modest earnings are consistent with the performance of many faith‑based sequels, which often see a decline in audience interest after the initial novelty of the original film. The 2026 release also coincided with the 25th anniversary of MercyMe’s debut album, a milestone that the band celebrated with a series of live performances.
The film’s storyline delves into Millard’s relationship with his father, Arthur Millard, and the impact of his father’s death on his songwriting. It also portrays the band’s touring schedule and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while on the road.
The soundtrack features new recordings of MercyMe’s songs, including the original “Even If,” written by Millard for the sequel’s narrative. The soundtrack was released in conjunction with the film and includes tracks from the band’s catalog.
While the sequel did not achieve the commercial impact of its predecessor, it provides a continuation of the story that fans of MercyMe and Christian music audiences have followed for over a decade. The film’s release on Starz allows viewers who missed the theatrical run to experience the story at home.
In summary, I Can Only Imagine 2 is a 2026 Christian biopic that follows Bart Millard’s personal and professional challenges after the success of “I Can Only Imagine.” Released by Lionsgate and available on Starz, the film earned $19 million against an $18 million budget and received mixed critical reception. The sequel adds to MercyMe’s legacy and offers a new perspective on the band’s journey.
Produced by Lionsgate, the sequel was directed by Andrew Erwin with a screenplay by Brent McCorkle, who also co‑directed the original feature. The production carried an $18 million budget and entered theaters with a limited run before moving to digital and on‑demand platforms.
The story returns to Bart Millard, the frontman of contemporary Christian band MercyMe, portrayed once again by John Michael Finley. After the 2001 single I Can Only Imagine catapulted the band to fame, the film follows Millard as he confronts the health challenges of his teenage son Sam while balancing the demands of touring. The band is also preparing to record a new single, “Even If,” written by Millard himself for the narrative.
Milo Ventimiglia joins the cast as fellow Christian musician Tim Timmons, who joins the tour. The supporting lineup features Trace Adkins, Priscilla Shirer, and actors who play band members and their families.
MercyMe, formed in 1994 in Edmond, Oklahoma, has released twelve studio albums to date. Their breakthrough came with the 2001 album Almost There, which included the crossover hit “I Can Only Imagine.” The track peaked at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group several Dove Award nominations. The 2018 film chronicled the creation of the song and the early career of the band.
Financially, I Can Only Imagine 2 earned $19 million worldwide, a modest return compared with the original’s $86 million gross on a $7 million budget. Critics offered mixed reviews, noting that the sequel’s narrative is less expansive than the first film and that its box‑office performance reflects the difficulty of replicating the original’s success.
Lionsgate announced the distribution plan in January 2026, opting for a limited theatrical release followed by a quick transition to digital platforms. The movie was added to Starz’s streaming catalog shortly after its theatrical debut.
Industry analysts point out that the sequel’s modest earnings are consistent with the performance of many faith‑based sequels, which often see a decline in audience interest after the initial novelty of the original film. The 2026 release also coincided with the 25th anniversary of MercyMe’s debut album, a milestone that the band celebrated with a series of live performances.
The film’s storyline delves into Millard’s relationship with his father, Arthur Millard, and the impact of his father’s death on his songwriting. It also portrays the band’s touring schedule and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while on the road.
The soundtrack features new recordings of MercyMe’s songs, including the original “Even If,” written by Millard for the sequel’s narrative. The soundtrack was released in conjunction with the film and includes tracks from the band’s catalog.
While the sequel did not achieve the commercial impact of its predecessor, it provides a continuation of the story that fans of MercyMe and Christian music audiences have followed for over a decade. The film’s release on Starz allows viewers who missed the theatrical run to experience the story at home.
In summary, I Can Only Imagine 2 is a 2026 Christian biopic that follows Bart Millard’s personal and professional challenges after the success of “I Can Only Imagine.” Released by Lionsgate and available on Starz, the film earned $19 million against an $18 million budget and received mixed critical reception. The sequel adds to MercyMe’s legacy and offers a new perspective on the band’s journey.