By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2" WRAPS UP MERCYME'S STORY WITH GOD, GRACE, AND GRATITUDE
It's no surprise that Lionsgate would revisit the remarkable success of "I Can Only Imagine" with the sequel,
"I Can Only Imagine 2" and hope to recapture some of the lightning that made the original a breakout hit. The 2018 faith-based drama, which chronicled the story behind
MercyMe's chart-topping song became a box office phenomenon, earning an astonishing $86 million worldwide against a modest $7 million budget and cementing its place as one of the most successful Christian films of all time.
"I Can Only Imagine 2," directed by
Andrew Erwin, "American Underdog") and Brent McCorkle, "Jesus Revolution"), continues Bart Millard's (John Michael Finley, "Love, Courage and the Battle of Bushy Run") journey beyond the song that defined him.
While the sequel comes admirably close to capturing the sincerity and inspirational tone that resonated so strongly in the first film, it doesn't quite generate the same sustained emotional tug. The original's father-son storyline carried a deep, personal urgency that's difficult to replicate, and at times the sequel feels more reflective than revelatory.
That reflective quality is underscored through poignant flashbacks featuring Dennis Quaid, ("A Dog's Perfect Christmas") whose presence serves as a spiritual throughline to the first film. His appearances deepen the narrative, reminding audiences that Bart's journey is forever shaped by reconciliation and redemption. Rather than rehashing old wounds, the sequel meditates on legacy and how healing in one generation echoes into the next.
Bart is now facing a different kind of trial: balancing the pressures of life on the road with the responsibilities of fatherhood. He struggles to be present for his diabetic son, Sam (Sammy Dell, "Trevor: The Musical") while supporting his wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton, TV's "Outlander").
The tension between ministry, music, and marriage feels authentic, even when the script leans into familiar inspirational beats.
Meanwhile, Scott Brickell (Trace Adkins, "Day of Reckoning") returns as the band's manager, offering sage advice, quiet authority, and being the glue holding the group together. His presence provides stability amid uncertainty.
Even if it doesn't soar to the same emotional heights as the first chapter, "I Can Only Imagine 2" finds its strongest footing through Milo Ventimiglia's (TV's "This is Us" and "American Blue") heartfelt performance. As his character Tim Timmons becomes an integral part of the group, faces a serious illness, and continues to inspire the band through quiet resilience, the film gains much of its emotional depth and thoughtfully closes the loop on both family and fellowship with grace, faith, and a well-earned sense of peace.
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Check Out This Trailer For
"I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
