Dallas Jenkins Brings Back His Film ‘What If?’ about Surrendering to God’s Call
Dallas Jenkins is best known today as the director of The Chosen, but for a certain segment of the movie world, his breakthrough came 15 years ago with a cult classic that's still fondly remembered. That film, What If? (PG) re-releases in theaters Aug. 5 and 7 and tells the story of a businessman who abandons his faith for success in the business world, only to encounter an angel who shows him what his life could have been like had he followed God's path.
It was released in theaters in 2010 and failed to break the box office Top 20, yet gained a devoted following on home video.
"This happens to be my kids' favorite movie that I've ever done -- besides The Chosen and maybe The Best Christmas Pageant Ever -- and it's a movie that has become a bit of a classic over the last 15 years," Jenkins told supporters in a video this week. "It started off pretty slow, didn't do all that great in theaters, but people really, really loved it, and it really had a huge impact on a lot of people's lives, because it's about you getting an opportunity to see what your life might have looked like had you followed God's calling."
Kevin Sorbo (God's Not Dead) portrays the lead character, Ben Walker, while John Ratzenberger (Cheers) plays Mike, the angel. It also stars Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Debby Ryan (Jessie, Insatiable).
"For those of us who maybe have in the past made decisions that maybe weren't what God wanted for us, or maybe those of us who are younger, who want to avoid making those decisions -- I mean, this movie really, really puts into perspective the importance of following God's calling," Jenkins said. "But we've infused it with a lot of laughs. It's very family-friendly, and of course, it is a pro-marriage, pro-family, pro-faith, pro-ministry, pro-service, pro-surrender, pro-God movie that really, really glorifies the gospel."
Sorbo told Crosswalk Headlines it ranks in the top three of films in which he's appeared.
"Here it is 15 years old, [and] I talk about it all the time," Sorbo said. "I do a lot of speaking events … And every one of these, I talk about it."
Photo Credit: ©Fathom
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published August 05, 2025.
