The film stars William H. Macy (Fargo, Marmaduke), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, All Saints), Joel Courtney (Jesus Revolution, Super 8), DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution, Woodlawn), Masey McLain (“The Baxters”), and Stephanie Szostak (“A Million Little Things”).
From Director Sean McNamara (Reagan, Soul Surfer), the film is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book On Fire by John O’Leary. O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was 9-years-old. Given no chance of survival, John endures an unbelievable road to recovery with the support of his family, faith, community and the kindness of his all-time idol, Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for his miracle and shaped by life’s struggles, John’s mission to better the world inspires millions to do the extraordinary. The film’s screenplay was adapted from the book by Gregory Poirier. Producers include J. Todd Harris, Margaret French Isaac, David Brookwell and Sean McNamara. Executive Producers are Linda Blum Huntington, John O’Leary, Michael Riney, Quirsis Riney, Terry Schnuck, and Gregory Poirier. Amy Powers and Toni Farina serve as Co- Producers.
“We’ve followed John’s developing story for years and when the call came in from Sean McNamara about the opportunity to partner together again, we jumped in. The life-changing elements of this story are what we look for at AFFIRM and what our audiences connect to so enthusiastically,” says Rich Peluso, head of AFFIRM Films.
The book which inspired this film, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, became an instant #1 national bestseller in 2016. The book was translated into 12 languages for international readers. O’Leary describes the film adaptation as “an awesome testament to the profound impact one life has on others. It’s a celebration of the everyday heroes and a reminder that when we finally shift from focusing on personal imperfections to accepting the gift our life already is, amazing things can happen.”
“I make movies about miracles. I believe in miracles. John O’Leary is a walking miracle. I’ve been blessed to film his extraordinary story that has inspired people to overcome extreme loss. While making Soul On Fire I watched John speak to a group of ‘Wounded Warriors’ and was blown away at his speaking talents, and his ability to transform lives by telling them his amazing story detailed in his book, On Fire. I can’t wait to share with the world the story of John O’Leary’s miraculous life,” says Director and Producer Sean McNamara.
Production companies; Brookwell McNamara Entertainment, Branded Pictures Entertainment, Margaret French Isaac Entertainment, Linda B. Huntington Productions.
The movie was shot in St. Louis, MO, John O’Leary’s hometown, in many of the exact locations where pivotal events in his life occurred.
