Get ready to be inspired – or maybe even divided. Faith-based films are back in the spotlight, and I Can Only Imagine 2 is leading the charge with a surprising $1.8 million in preview earnings. But here’s where it gets interesting: a whopping $1.3 million of that came from Valentine’s Day early-access screenings, proving that love and faith make a powerful combo. Add another $475,000 from its final preview night, and you’ve got a sequel that’s already outpacing its 2018 predecessor, which initially flew under the radar before stunning everyone with a $17.1 million opening weekend and a stellar $83.4 million domestic run. But will lightning strike twice?
Directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, this follow-up dives into the life of MercyMe’s lead singer, Bart Millard, who faces a personal crisis at the height of his success. As his world crumbles, he grapples with faith, doubt, and inner turmoil—a story that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. Starring Milo Ventimiglia, the film is projected to pull in $8 million to $10 million across 3,105 theaters, though don’t be shocked if it surpasses expectations. After all, faith-based audiences have a history of turning out in droves when a story resonates.
And this is the part most people miss: while I Can Only Imagine 2 dominates the faith-based scene, other releases are quietly making waves. Trafalgar’s Man on the Run, a Morgan Neville-directed documentary about Paul and Linda McCartney’s post-Beatles era, earned $501,000 at just 421 locations—a niche but passionate audience. Meanwhile, A24’s How to Make a Killing and Disney’s Psycho Killer are hitting theaters with lower expectations, though Psycho Killer did manage $250,000 in previews. But here’s the controversial question: Can these smaller releases hold their own against a faith-driven juggernaut?
After a bustling Presidents Day weekend, I Can Only Imagine 2 stands as the only major studio release poised for substantial success. The rest of the week’s box office looks like this:
- Wuthering Heights (WB) – 3,682 theaters, Wk $45.8M/Wk 1
- Goat (Sony) – 3,863 theaters, Wk $41.2M/Wk 1
- Crime 101 (Sony) – 3,161 theaters, Wk $18.9M/Wk 1
- Send Help (20th) – 2,975 theaters, Wk $12.1M (-7%), Total $51M/Wk 3
- Solo Mio (Angel) – 3,000 theaters, Wk $8.7M (-17%), Total $19.2M/Wk 2
So, what do you think? Will I Can Only Imagine 2 live up to the hype, or is the faith-based genre losing its luster? And can smaller, more niche films like Man on the Run find their footing in a crowded market? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
