Stories don’t end with a single breakthrough. Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian rock band MercyMe, learned that lesson after his reconciliation with his father inspired the hit 2018 inspirational drama, ‘I Can Only Imagine.’

The film’s titular song, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has become one of the best-selling Christian singles of all time. Its success went on to inspire the hit 2018 Christian biographical movie of the same name.

After becoming the sixth highest-grossing Christian film of all-time, it spawned a sequel, ‘I Can Only Imagine 2.’ The follow-up proves that its predecessor chronicles just one relatable, inspiring chapter in Millard’s life.

What came after the title track’s release in the early 2000s proved to be more complicated painful for the musician. During that time, he realized that happiness isn’t always guaranteed in life, but what he could have is peace and gratitude.

John Michael Finley reprised his role of Millard in the sequel. He’s joined on screen by Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton, Arielle Kebbel, Sammy Dell, Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid.

Andrew Erwin, who directed the first film with his brother, Jon, returned to helm and produce the franchise’s second installment. He co-directed the drama with Brent McCorkle. He also wrote and executive produced the new feature, after he co-scribed its predecessor.

Following its theatrical release on February 20, ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ is now available on Digital and Video on Demand. Lionsgate will also release the movie on Blu-ray + Digital and DVD this Tuesday, May 5.

The drama’s Blu-ray and DVD releases will include several bonus features. That bonus content includes Audio Commentary with Producer and Lead Singer of MercyMe Bart Millard and Singer/Songwriter Tim Timmons; Audio Commentary with Writer/Co-Director Brent McCorkle and Producer/Co-Director Andrew Erwin; Making ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Featurette; Recording at Abbey Road Featurette; Joy in the Making Featurette; Finding the Song ‘Even If’ Featurette; Early Access Bonus Content; deleted Scenes; and the Theatrical Trailer.

‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ is set during the aftermath of the breakout success of the title song. Bart is living the dream, playing sold-out arenas to a devoted fan base in his thriving career.

But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam (Dell). When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons (Ventimiglia) joins the band for their 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. They force him to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon (Skelton), before fame costs him what matters most.

Finley generously took the time recently to talk about starring in ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ during an exclusive interview over Zoom. Among other things, the actor revealed that he was drawn to reprise his role in the sequel by its strong script, and the chance to continue telling Millard’s deeper true story with authenticity.

Film Factual (FF): You reprise your role of Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, in the new inspirational drama, ‘I Can Only Imagine 2.’ Why were you interested in playing the musician again in the sequel?

John Michael Finley (JMF): Well, we had such a great time in the first film, and I became dear friends with a lot of the people I worked with on it. I think we’d always joked about a sequel, but we joked about silly things, like a zombie apocalypse, space movie.

But we didn’t really see any room for a sequel, which I think was a good thing. I don’t think anybody wanted to throw something together just to throw something together.

Years passed, and then Bart texted me and said, “Hey, can you keep a secret?” I was like, “No, don’t tell me a secret. I’m not keeping it.” He was like, “No, seriously. I have something.” I was like, “Okay, fine.” Bart said, “We have a pitch meeting with Lionsgate in a couple days and I think they want to try to do a sequel.”

So that was kind of the first that I had really heard. As an actor, I’m the last one to find out – they’re not going to tell me.

So I was immediately very excited and elated. I couldn’t wait to get the gang back together in whatever capacity we could.

But I was also like, “Okay, let’s not just throw something together – what’s the story going to be about? What are we doing here?” I wasn’t concerned, but maybe hesitant at the beginning. Nobody wants to put out a crummy sequel.

Then once they put a script together a couple months later, they sent me the first draft, and I was just blown away. I couldn’t believe that there was so much of the story left to tell, as there was so much more the band had gone through.

So I think I’ve just caught the bug telling these true stories. It’s such a pleasure to portray this family and tell healing stories.

FF: What was your experience like getting back into character? Did your approach to the follow-up compared to the first film?

JMF: The first film was my first experience on a film set. I was just holding on and learning as I went, surrounded by great people who made it easier.

This time, everything was different. I have ten more years of experience, and I’ve become a husband and a father. I’m not 26 anymore – I’ve lived more life. Even though Bart and I haven’t gone through the same exact things, we’ve both experienced the human side of life, including pain, fear, regret and growth.

Coming back after ten years, it felt like a much longer time had passed. I approached the role as honestly as I could, not being afraid to be vulnerable or imperfect. That’s at the heart of the story.

FF: Andrew Erwin returned to the ‘I Can Only Imagine’ series to direct its latest entry, alongside screenwriter Brent McCorkle. What was it like reuniting with the crew, particularly Andrew and Brent, and work with them on the movie?

JMF: It was incredible. The first day always comes with some nerves because every film is its own long journey. Telling true, faith-based stories for families also comes with its own challenges.

The atmosphere on this set was something special. I’ve worked on other sets where everything is professional but more routine. This was different. The real people we’re telling the story about were there, along with their families. It wasn’t a closed set – there were often dozens of people watching and supporting us.

It felt like three months of church camp. There was a sense of community and joy, even though the story deals with heavy themes. We had a lot of fun and great communication. Looking back, it was a very special project.

FF: Like you just mentioned, the real people who served as the inspiration for the drama were with you on set during the production. What was it like reconnecting with the real people behind the series’ story, and hearing about their lives since the first film?

JMF: It was amazing. The first film changed a lot of lives, including mine. Coming back ten years later, we realized just how much impact it had.

There was a sense of gratitude – wondering where we’d all be if that film hadn’t happened. It brought everyone back together, not just the cast but also the crew and producers.

We filmed this movie in Nashville, which made the experience even more special because many people involved in the project live there. They could be with their families and stay in their own homes, which made the set feel more comfortable and welcoming.

FF: ‘I Can Only Imagine’ stars a mixture of returning and new actors, including Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton and Sammy Dell. How did you all work together to create the bonds between the characters in the follow-up?

JMF: I stayed in touch with many people from the first film over the years. Once the sequel started coming together, we reconnected even more.

The new cast members were incredible. Milo Ventimiglia joined us, and we did a full script read together over Zoom. He read multiple roles, which showed his dedication.

Sophie Skelton jumped in completely, and everyone connected with her right away. Sammy Dell also stood out. After his audition, I reached out to tell him how strong his performance was.

We welcomed the new cast warmly, and they gave that same energy back. They really became the heart of the film.

FF: The movie explores the lasting impact of MercyMe’s songs and albums. How did the musical aspect influence your performance in the new drama?

JMF: I appreciated the level of trust they gave me. The first time, I was still figuring things out. This time, I had a clearer sense of my role and more confidence.

Singing has always been a big part of my life, so it felt natural to bring that into the performance. Recording alongside Bart was a special experience. We worked until the performances felt fully aligned.

It’s not about sounding exactly like Bart – we actually have different vocal styles. My goal is to capture his essence. That connection, especially in the praise and worship elements, is what really matters.