Bart Millard Teases ‘I Can Only Imagine’ Sequel Casting
MercyMe’s Bart Millard teases sequel by poking at his on-screen doppelgänger’s tougher side
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
Bart Millard has given fans a playful behind-the-scenes glimpse of the upcoming I Can Only Imagine sequel. In a recent Instagram post, the MercyMe frontman posed with John Michael Finley—the actor who brought teenage Bart to life in the 2018 hit film—and delivered a tongue-in-cheek message about masculinity, fatherhood and “man crush” expectations.
Bart Millard’s Instagram Spotlight
Millard’s caption opened with a self-deprecating nod to the movie magic that turns them into on-screen doubles. “I’m just a dude…standing in front of another dude…asking him to portray me a little more masculine than I actually am. Is that too much to ask? You complete me,” he quipped. He also referenced his son, Sam Wesley, who recently declared his own “man crush” on Sammy Dell—the actor cast as Sam in the film. “John now expects me to do the same,” Millard joked, tagging both young actors and fans alike in the playful exchange.
Sequel Tease And Early Buzz
This isn’t Millard’s first tease about the follow-up. Back in November, he thrilled followers with an Instagram snapshot of the official poster, writing simply, “We have a release date!!!!” (IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7LndoRMO5/). While details remain under wraps, the original I Can Only Imagine stunned both faith-based and mainstream audiences, grossing more than $83 million on a $7 million budget. Lionsgate’s decision to green-light a sequel underscores that appetite—Millard’s real-life journey from hardship to hope resonated far beyond the Christian music charts.
A Musical Memoir Revisited
Based on the Grammy-nominated MercyMe anthem he penned in 1999, the first film starred Dennis Quaid as Bart’s father, Arthur, and Trace Adkins as a dad desperate to outrun his own darkness. John Michael Finley’s breakout performance as the young singer introduced viewers to a resilient boy whose faith ultimately inspired one of the best-selling Christian songs of all time. As production ramps up, Millard’s friendly ribbing reminds fans that the heart of the story comes down to honest relationships, laughter and a touch of humility.
Family Cameos And Fan Reactions
Millard’s affectionate jab at Finley and Dell quickly drew hundreds of comments. One fan wrote, “Bart, you’re the reason we believed in second chances,” while another tagged friends, teasing, “This is us when our dad watches our recitals.” MercyMe devotees have also pointed to Millard’s musical tour schedule—he’s slated to join the band’s MercyMe Live 2025 trek as a special guest alongside his son, Sam Wesley—sorting life on the road with scenes on set.
As the countdown to the sequel’s debut ticks on, Millard’s social media updates serve as both announcement and affectionate banter. By blending dad humor with insider snapshots, he’s inviting longtime followers and new audiences to rediscover the story that changed so many lives.
Whether you’re rooting for teenage Bart’s triumph or simply in it for the one-liners, this sequel promises another dose of heart—and a few more selfies to prove it.
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