Milo Ventimiglia & MercyMe Return: I Can Only Imagine 2 Trailer Drops!

The wait is almost over! The brand-new trailer for I Can Only Imagine 2 has officially landed, giving us an exciting first look at the inspiring sequel to the 2018 faith-based music hit.

Quick Takeaways: What You Need to Know Right Now

• The official trailer for I Can Only Imagine 2 is out, teasing a powerful new chapter in Bart Millard's story.
• Original stars John Michael Finley, Trace Adkins, and Dennis Quaid return, with Milo Ventimiglia and Sophie Skelton joining the cast.
• The film, inspired by MercyMe's hit song "Even If," will tackle themes of faith, family struggles, and finding gratitude amid life's toughest challenges.
• Mark your calendars: I Can Only Imagine 2 is set to hit theaters nationwide on February 20, 2026.

A Deeper Look Into Bart Millard's Journey After Sudden Success

Remember how the first I Can Only Imagine movie touched so many hearts back in 2018? It brought the incredible true story behind Mercyme's iconic song to life, showcasing Bart Millard's tumultuous relationship with his father and the powerful redemption that inspired "I Can Only Imagine." Now, the creative minds behind that hit are back with a sequel, and it looks like we're in for another emotional, uplifting ride.

The new film picks up after the massive success of "I Can Only Imagine" made Bart Millard (played again by the fantastic John Michael Finley) a household name. He's living the dream – sold-out arenas, a devoted fanbase, and a thriving career. But as anyone knows, success doesn't always equal smooth sailing. Behind the bright lights and roaring crowds, Bart's past begins to cast a shadow over his personal life, especially the delicate relationship with his son, Sam (Sammy Dell).

Unpacking the Inspiration Behind the Story: MercyMe's "Even If"

Just like the first movie centered on a powerful song, I Can Only Imagine 2 dives deep into the true story behind another one of MercyMe's beloved hits: "Even If." This chart-topping track carries a poignant message of unwavering faith in the face of suffering, and its origins are deeply personal for Bart Millard.

Bart has openly shared that "Even If" was inspired by his son, Sam, who has been battling diabetes since he was two years old. "When you're a parent of a child with any kind of chronic illness, these things don't go away. You have a lot of good days, but some days you feel like you're losing bad. I was in the midst of one of those bad days when 'Even If' was written," Millard explained. The film will explore these struggles, showcasing how Bart grapples with the demands of his career while trying to keep his family, particularly his bond with Sam and his wife Shannon (Sophie Skelton), strong.

New Faces and Familiar Friends Joining the Musical Adventure

The sequel brings back some familiar and beloved faces, including John Michael Finley as Bart Millard, who beautifully captured the musician's spirit in the first film. Trace Adkins returns as Scott Brickell, MercyMe's manager, and it sounds like he's still dishing out some tough love in the trailer, reminding Bart that life doesn't stop throwing curveballs just because you've achieved your dreams.

And for fans of "This Is Us" or "Gilmore Girls," get ready to cheer! Milo Ventimiglia joins the cast as Tim Timmons, a hopeful newcomer who ends up profoundly impacting Bart's life. Tim, too, carries his own hardships and secrets, and his unlikely friendship with Bart helps Bart rediscover gratitude and re-evaluate what truly matters. Ventimiglia shared his personal connection to the role, revealing that the real Tim Timmons was on set every day. "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," Milo told People Magazine. He even took guitar lessons for the role, learning three songs exceptionally well to make his stage performances convincing!

Sophie Skelton steps into the role of Bart's wife, Shannon Street/Millard, playing a crucial part as the family's anchor during Bart's struggles. Arielle Kebbel joins as Hilary Timmons, and Sammy Dell portrays Bart's son, Sam Millard. Dennis Quaid, who famously played Bart's father, Arthur Millard, in the first film, is also confirmed to return, though the exact nature of his role (flashbacks, perhaps?) isn't explicitly detailed in the synopsis.

Here's a quick look at the main cast:

• John Michael Finley as Bart Millard
• Milo Ventimiglia as Tim Timmons
• Sophie Skelton as Shannon Street/Millard
• Arielle Kebbel as Hilary Timmons
• Sammy Dell as Sam Millard
• Trace Adkins as Scott Brickell
• Dennis Quaid as Arthur Millard (reprising his role)
• Joshua Bassett as Christopher Street (mentioned in one cast list)

The Visionary Filmmakers Guiding This Inspiring Narrative

At the helm of I Can Only Imagine 2 are co-directors Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle. Andrew Erwin, known for his work on faith-based films like I Still Believe and American Underdog, also co-directed the original I Can Only Imagine. Brent McCorkle not only co-directed but also penned the screenplay for the sequel, having previously worked on films like Jesus Revolution.

Both directors shared their excitement about continuing this story. Andrew Erwin noted, "I never dreamed there was more story to tell – until we heard the story behind MercyMe's hit 'Even If.' Learning how Tim Timmons and Bart Millard co-wrote that song out of deep, lived faith moved us to tears." McCorkle added, "Returning to the world of Imagine has been a deeply personal and profoundly moving journey... Its themes of finding gratitude in our grief and discovering beauty that rises from ashes feel more relevant now than ever."

"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

What Audiences Can Expect from This Highly Anticipated Sequel

The first I Can Only Imagine wasn't just a box office success, grossing over $83 million domestically; it also earned a People's Choice Award nomination for The Family Movie of 2018 and an Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie at the Movieguide Awards. The sequel looks poised to continue that legacy, offering a powerful narrative about navigating life's challenges even after achieving your dreams.

This film promises to be more than just a biopic; it's a heartfelt exploration of faith, family, and the resilience of the human spirit. It asks the tough question: what happens after the "happily ever after"? As director Andrew Erwin puts it, "On this one, we break the happily ever after, and we ask: What is life after that? And this one ends with this idea of gratitude. And it's a beautiful story." MercyMe frontman Bart Millard hopes people will relate to the message that "life keeps happening regardless of what accolades we get." Tim Timmons sums it up perfectly, saying the movie "invites people into hanging out with Jesus in the midst of their sorrow, with grief and gratitude."

Produced by Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate, I Can Only Imagine 2 is shaping up to be a film that resonates deeply, offering hope and inspiration to audiences when it arrives in theaters.

Frequently Asked Questions About I Can Only Imagine 2

When is 'I Can Only Imagine 2' coming out in theaters?

I Can Only Imagine 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide on February 20, 2026, by Lionsgate.

What is the main story of 'I Can Only Imagine 2' about?

The sequel follows Bart Millard of MercyMe after the success of the first film. He faces new personal and family challenges, particularly with his son Sam, while navigating the pressures of fame. The story is inspired by MercyMe's song "Even If" and focuses on finding faith and gratitude through adversity, partly through his friendship with newcomer Tim Timmons.

Who are the main actors returning and joining the cast?

John Michael Finley returns as Bart Millard, with Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid also reprising their roles. New to the cast are Milo Ventimiglia as Tim Timmons and Sophie Skelton as Shannon Street/Millard.

Do I need to see the first 'I Can Only Imagine' movie to understand the sequel?

While the sequel continues Bart Millard's story, it focuses on a new set of challenges and inspirations. Watching the first film will give you a deeper understanding of the characters' backgrounds and the impact of the song "I Can Only Imagine," but the sequel is designed to tell a new, compelling story that can likely be appreciated on its own.

Sources

• Based on article context from multiple news outlets including First Showing, Yahoo, LATF USA, Just Jared, The Christian Post, CCM Magazine, Moviefone, and JoBlo.