After the success of 2018's I Can Only Imagine, it was only a matter of time before more stories behind popular Christian music songs made it to the big screen. It wasn't long before the people who brought you the former announced a movie based on Jeremy Camp early life that inspired his hit single, "I Still Believe."
The first trailer for that film is now available.
The film stars Riverdale's KJ Apa as Camp, as well as support from Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinese.
Those familiar with the story of Jeremy Camp know that he lost his first wife, Melissa, to cancer near the start of his career. So going in, fans should know to expect a tear-jerker. This real-life story has given the film a high emotional bar to reach. Judging by the trailer, it looks like the filmmakers and cast are more than up to the task of reaching it. With known and proven actors, as well as the power of a major studio behind it, this isn't some C-level Christian cinema production. This is a film looking to compete with the bigs in young romance. Emotion runs heavy throughout the trailer, and viewers should expect to stock up on Kleenex before buying a ticket.
I personally plan to see the film after viewing this trailer. It hits all the right emotional beats and the cast seems to be terrific in bringing this important emotional story of faith to life. KJ Apa might not quite embody Camp's physical and vocal likeness as closely as, say, J. Michael Finlay did for Bart Millard in Imagine, but by performing his own vocals, Apa lends an authenticity to the role that radiates throughout the trailer. Not shying away from the difficulties of the story at hand, this looks like it has huge breakout potential. While I know better than to predict that Kapa or Robertson could snag some sort of award for their performance in this, if this trailer is anything to go by, I certainly could see a world in which it happens.
I Still Believe hits theaters March 20, 2020.
Go here to post your comments on the trailer and tell us if you'll be planning on seeing the movie!
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community.
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