Dennis Quaid Previews ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’: ‘There’s a Thirst Out There’ for Faith Films
Legendary actor Dennis Quaid says audiences are eager for films that inspire and offer hope, and he believes his next movie, I Can Only Imagine 2, does just that.
I Can Only Imagine 2 opens in theaters Feb. 20, telling the next chapter of MercyMe singer Bart Millard’s life as he struggles with fatherhood and searches for joy amid massive success. The plot turns when newcomer singer Tim Timmons joins the tour, bringing optimism to a group that had been devoid of it. It’s based on a true story and is the sequel to the 2018 hit film I Can Only Imagine. Both were produced by Kingdom Story Company.
Quaid starred in that first film as Millard’s father and returns in the latest film during flashback scenes.
“There's a thirst out there for these movies, and there was a thirst in me to play parts like this,” Quaid told Crosswalk Headlines, adding that the film’s themes and story are “things that I've struggled with, things [that] happened in my life.”
It is the latest faith-centric film starring Quaid, who also appeared in the Kingdom Story movie American Underdog along with non-Kingdom Story films On a Wing and a Prayer and The Hill.
He praised Kingdom Story’s Andy Erwin, the film’s co-director, for tackling “things that don't get talked about – you know, the real questions of life.”
“He's authentic in his storytelling like that, without beating you over the head – he speaks to that inner voice in all of us that asks the big questions,” he added.
John Michael Finley reprises his role as Millard, while Trace Adkins returns as the band’s manager. I Can Only Imagine 2 also stars Milo Ventimiglia, Arielle Kebbel, and Sophie Skelton.
Erwin said he opposed the idea of a sequel – until he learned about the struggles Millard faced after fame.
“What happens if the happily ever after breaks – what happens after you get everything you think you want, and the crowd goes home, and the applause stops, and life gets hard?” Erwin said, describing the plot. “That was a message of hope that really, really resonated with me – to see Tim Timmons, who's kind of this new character in the story that becomes a spiritual guide for Bart.”
The film’s theme, Erwin added, is gratitude.
“This movie is about Bart as a father, having to come to terms with his own son, realizing that he feels not prepared, that his dad never taught him how to do this job – and what it results in is this story is gratitude.”
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Photo Credit: ©Kingdom Story
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 January 20, 2026.
