“I Can Only Imagine 2” Struggles to Meet Excitement of First Film

The sequel, “I Can Only Imagine 2,” is not proving to be the breakout hit hoped for in the first two weekends after opening Feb. 20.

As of March 2, 2026, the faith-based sequel has posted roughly $13.26 million in domestic box office receipts since its Feb. 20 wide release by Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company. It has yet to open domestically.

“From the very beginning, our hope for `I Can Only Imagine 2’ was that the story wouldn’t end when the credits roll,” codirector Andrew Erwin said. “We can’t wait for people to share this moment in community.”

The sequel follows the record-breaking original 2018 film, which captured hearts around the globe and became one of the most successful faith-based films in history, bringing in more than $83 million at the box office.

“I Can Only Imagine 2” brings Bart Millard’s (MercyMe) story full circle as he faces the challenges of fatherhood, faith and keeping hope alive through life’s hardest moments. The film is codirected by Erwin and Brent McCorkle, who also wrote the script. After the breakout success of the song “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe’s Bart Millard is living the dream — sold-out arenas, a devoted fan base and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam.

When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons joins the band for its biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart’s life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships and secrets of his own, forcing Bart to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon, before fame costs him what matters most. Based on the heartfelt true story behind the hit single “Even If,” the movie is the inspiring next chapter of faith, family and finding God in the fire.

“It was such a fun challenge,” John Michael Finley, who portrays Millard in the movies, told Moviegude. “For me personally, a lot has happened in the past eight years. You know, for me, it might as well have been 30 years. So, for me it was quite fitting to jump back into a place of being unsure, struggling with things, maybe loss of faith, loss of this, loss of that. And so I’m happy that we’re talking about so much, things that are kind of taboo, you know what I mean? And I love that we’re covering that stuff.”

For more information, visit www.icanonlyimagine.com.

–Alan Goforth