When it comes to book adaptations, faith-based titles have proven to be popular among moviegoers: films based on books such as War Room and Heaven is For Real have generated millions of dollars in box office sales in recent years. In 2018, Hollywood is once again teaming up with religion publishers, and readers can see their favorite characters in theaters or on television.
I Can Only Imagine (March 15)
Bart Millard’s forthcoming memoir, due from Thomas Nelson February 13, delves into the musician’s life, including the death of his father at age 18 and his career as the lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe. The book and its film adaptation are both titled after MercyMe’s popular song about a broken family and finding redemption, I Can Only Imagine.
God’s Not Dead 3: A Light in Darkness (March 30)
The third installment of the God’s Not Dead film franchise is inspired by Rice Broock’s The Human Right (Thomas Nelson, Feb. 20) and follows pastor Dave as he endures tragedy when a fire destroys his church. The franchise kicked off in 2014 with God’s Not Dead, which grossed nearly $65 million worldwide, according to Deadline. Its 2016 sequel, God’s Not Dead 2, brought in $24.5 million
Disobedience (April 27)
Based on Naomi Alderman’s 2007 novel from S&S/Touchstone, this film follows Ronit Krushka who returns to London upon the death of her estranged father, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi. As she reconnects with family and a forbidden childhood sweetheart, she reconsiders what it means to obey God. The major motion picture will star Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz.
Boy Erased (September 28)
Adapted from Garrard Conley’s 2017 book of the same name, Boy Erased is inspired by true events. The story depicts Conley who was forced to attend a church-supported conversion therapy program to “cure” him of his homosexuality. The film will star Nicole Kidman, Joel Edgerton, Russell Crowe, and Lucas Hedges.
The Alchemist (2018 TBD)
Originally published in 1988, Paulo Coehlo’s novel about a spiritual quest has sold over 80 million copies in over 70 languages worldwide, according to HarperOne, which now publishes the book. The film will star Laurence Fishburne as Santiago, a shepherd who learns the importance of following his dreams and listening to his heart.
