MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine 2": Trailer, Cast, & Release Details

Get ready to be inspired! The official trailer for "I Can Only Imagine 2" just hit the internet, revealing an emotional new chapter for Mercyme frontman Bart Millard and a fantastic cast, including Milo Ventimiglia.

TL;DR: Quick Look at "I Can Only Imagine 2"

The highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit "I Can Only Imagine" focuses on MercyMe's song "Even If."
John Michael Finley returns as Bart Millard, joined by new cast member Milo Ventimiglia playing musician Tim Timmons.
"I Can Only Imagine 2" hits theaters nationwide on February 20, 2026.

What's the Story Behind "I Can Only Imagine 2" All About?

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If you loved "I Can Only Imagine," get ready for the next heartfelt chapter! Lionsgate has officially unveiled the trailer for "I Can Only Imagine 2," the sequel to the incredibly successful 2018 faith-based music film. This movie dives deeper into the life of Bart Millard, the lead singer of the popular Christian band MercyMe, picking up after the massive success of their titular song.

The first film explored the redemption of Bart's relationship with his father, which was the inspiration for the song "I Can Only Imagine." This sequel shifts focus to another one of MercyMe's powerful hit singles: "Even If."

The official synopsis reveals that after the breakout success of the first song, Bart Millard (played again by John Michael Finley) seems to be living the dream: sold-out arenas, a devoted fanbase, and a thriving career. However, behind all that spotlight, Bart's past comes back to threaten the family he's built, especially the delicate bond he shares with his son, Sam (Sammy Dell). Bart even expresses concern about taking his son on a high-pressure tour, worrying, "I'm worried I might break him." His wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton), offers a hopeful counterpoint: "Or he just might fix you."

The story takes an inspiring turn with the introduction of hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia). When Tim joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he inadvertently brings a renewed sense of gratitude into Bart's life through their unexpected friendship. Bart soon learns that Tim carries his own set of hardships and secrets. This discovery forces Bart to confront his own past and work on repairing his relationships with Sam and Shannon before the pressures of fame cost him what matters most.

Director Andrew Erwin shared insights into this new direction, noting that while the first movie ended with a "happily ever after," the sequel "breaks the happily ever after, and we ask: What is life after that?" He emphasized that this new story "ends with this idea of gratitude," calling it "a beautiful story."

Meet the Incredible Cast Bringing These Stories to Life

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The sequel sees a mix of returning favorites and exciting new additions, all ready to deliver powerful performances:

John Michael Finley as Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe
Milo Ventimiglia as Tim Timmons, a hopeful newcomer and musician
Sophie Skelton as Shannon Street, Bart's wife
Sammy Dell as Sam Millard, Bart's son
Trace Adkins as Scott Brickell (returning)
Dennis Quaid as Arthur Millard (returning)
Arielle Kebbel as Hilary Timmons, Tim's wife
Joshua Bassett as Christopher Street

It's fantastic to see John Michael Finley back in the lead role, continuing Bart Millard's journey. And the addition of Milo Ventimiglia, known for his roles in "This Is Us" and "Gilmore Girls," has fans particularly excited. He's diving into a challenging new role as a musician.

Behind the Scenes: The Vision of the Filmmakers

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"I Can Only Imagine 2" is co-directed by the talented faith-based filmmakers Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle. Both have a strong background in impactful cinema, with Erwin's credits including "October Baby," "Woodlawn," and the first "I Can Only Imagine," while McCorkle contributed to films like "Unconditional" and "Jesus Revolution." Brent McCorkle also penned the screenplay for this sequel.

"Returning to the world of Imagine has been a deeply personal and profoundly moving journey—for me and for so many who helped bring this uplifting story to life. Its themes of finding gratitude in our grief and discovering beauty that rises from ashes feel more relevant now than ever. Watching this chapter of Bart and Tim’s story unfold for the big screen has been an honor. I can’t wait for audiences everywhere to experience it this February."

— Co-director Brent McCorkle

The producers behind this inspiring film include Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Cindy Bond, Bart Millard himself, Daryl Lefever, and Joshua Walsh. This team aims to deliver a movie that resonates deeply with audiences, exploring themes of faith, family, and resilience.

Milo Ventimiglia's Transformative Role as Tim Timmons

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Milo Ventimiglia's portrayal of Tim Timmons is a significant new element for the sequel. Playing a real-life musician comes with its own set of demands, and Ventimiglia shared some insights into his preparation and experience.

"The biggest challenge really was, for me, making sure that the performance looked correct. I mean [the real] Tim's been playing music since he was young, and we're the same age, in our late 40s. To be able to look like I'm onstage and jamming the way that Tim jams and singing the way that Tim sings, it was a lot of effort. But it was also a ton of fun."

— Milo Ventimiglia on playing Tim Timmons

He even had a personal guitar tutor for the role! "I realized I didn't have to learn how to play guitar entirely, I just had to learn how to play three songs really well," Ventimiglia explained. "Tim taught me like seven or eight different ways to play those songs."

Beyond the technical aspects, Ventimiglia was deeply moved by the real Tim Timmons' story. He developed a close friendship with the musician, who was on set every day of filming. "But what drew me to the role was this man who had been given a sentence of cancer and had still put a lot of positivity out in the world, although he was battling and dealing with something so daunting and terrifying," he shared, highlighting the inspiring nature of the character he was portraying.

Bart Millard and MercyMe's Inspiring Journey Continues

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Bart Millard, whose life story continues to inspire these films, emphasized the relatable struggles even amidst success. "At the height of our career, we were still struggling with stuff, and hopefully people can relate to that," he said. "You know, life keeps happening regardless of what accolades we get." This honest perspective is at the heart of "I Can Only Imagine 2," showing that faith doesn't mean a life without challenges, but rather finding strength through them.

The film delves into the story behind MercyMe's hit "Even If," a song co-written by Millard and Tim Timmons. This collaboration, born out of deep faith and personal trials, moved the directors to tears, solidifying their decision to create this sequel.

Exploring Powerful Themes of Faith, Family, and Finding Hope in Adversity

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Like its predecessor, "I Can Only Imagine 2" is packed with powerful, relatable themes. It explores the complexities of family relationships under pressure, the constant battle with inner demons, and the journey of seeking a path through adversity. The core message revolves around faith, family, and finding God even in life's "fire."

The concept of gratitude, especially in times of grief, is a central thread. As Tim Timmons eloquently put it, "Everybody deals with sorrow... So it's just a movie inviting people into hanging out with Jesus in the midst of their sorrow, with grief and gratitude." This film promises to be an uplifting experience, reminding audiences that beauty can indeed rise from ashes and that peace can be found even amidst trials.

The first "I Can Only Imagine" was a massive success, grossing $83 million domestically and becoming one of the top-performing independent films of 2018. This sequel hopes to build on that legacy, continuing to touch hearts and inspire millions with its message.

The Road to Release: When and Where to Watch "I Can Only Imagine 2"

Mark your calendars! "I Can Only Imagine 2" is set to debut in theaters nationwide on February 20, 2026. While some reports initially mentioned a March release, multiple official sources, including Lionsgate, confirm the February date. So, get ready for an early 2026 dose of inspiration!

This film is a Kingdom Story Company production, ensuring it will carry the same authentic and moving storytelling that fans have come to expect from their faith-based releases. Prepare for a cinematic experience that promises to be deeply personal, profoundly moving, and incredibly uplifting.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions About "I Can Only Imagine 2" Answered! When does "I Can Only Imagine 2" come out? "I Can Only Imagine 2" is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 20, 2026. Who stars in "I Can Only Imagine 2"? The film stars John Michael Finley as Bart Millard, Milo Ventimiglia as Tim Timmons, Sophie Skelton as Shannon Street, Sammy Dell as Sam Millard, Arielle Kebbel as Hilary Timmons, with Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid also returning. What song is "I Can Only Imagine 2" based on? While the first film was inspired by MercyMe's song "I Can Only Imagine," the sequel focuses on the true story behind their hit single "Even If," co-written by Bart Millard and Tim Timmons. Who directed "I Can Only Imagine 2"? The sequel is co-directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle. Sources