EXCLUSIVE: A new film inspired by Anne Wilson’s hit song My Jesus is gearing up to begin production next month, with Aliza Kate Barlow making her feature debut starring as the Christian Country singer. My Jesus, which hails from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company (I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution), also stars Gavin Casalegno (The Summer I Turned Pretty), Monica Potter (Parenthood), Charles Esten (Outer Banks), and Beau Bridges (Matlock).
Kay Oyegun wrote the screenplay based on Wilson’s book My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope, and will make her feature directorial debut.
Casalegno will play Anne’s brother Jacob; Potter will play Anne and Jacob’s mother, Lynn; Esten will play Kent, their father; and Bridges will play their grandfather, Bob.
The music-driven, coming-of-age film follows the inspiring story of Anne, a regular teenager who is driven by a life-altering moment to post a video of herself singing online, triggering an avalanche of responses and catching the attention of executives across the Christian and country music industries. But finding her voice means Anne must also navigate the impact her gift has on everyone around her, including the changes it brings to her family and friends and the weight of her own expectations. Along the way, she must redefine how she views herself, her place in the world, her relationship with God, and ultimately, her purpose.
“Anne’s story is the ultimate wish fulfillment story—a regular girl finds a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share her gift with the world—but what sets her story apart is that her true gift is a testament to the power of faith, family, friendship, love, and devotion,” shared Erin Westerman, President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Her journey isn’t just evocative and emotional—it shows how trusting that faith changed her life in every way. Kay has a wonderful take on this touching story, and we’re passionate about bringing it to life,” she added.
The song My Jesus topped Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart, making Wilson the first female solo artist to lead the latter with a debut single since the chart launched in 2003. Her album of the same name went on to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
“We couldn’t be more honored to bring Anne’s story to the big screen with Kay and this talented cast. My Jesus is a story for a generation that loves the communal experience of going to the movies and is increasingly bold and unapologetic about their faith. Working alongside our incredible partners at Lionsgate to deliver an experience for that audience that feels fresh, entertaining, and deeply authentic is beyond exciting for all of us at Kingdom Story Company,” said Brandon Gregory, President and COO of the studio.
Joshua Walsh, Brandon Gregory, Andrew Erwin, and Daryl LeFever will produce for Kingdom Story Company with Jim Miller, Matthew West, and Robert Deaton serving as executive producers. Meredith Wieck and Maria Ascanio are overseeing for Lionsgate. Gaby Ludlow at Kingdom Story Company and Phil Strina at Lionsgate negotiated the deals.
Barlow is a singer-songwriter and actress who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She has performed live across the country, and her original music has garnered over 2 million streams across Apple Music and Spotify. She is represented by Artium Talent, Authentic Talent and Literary Management, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
Casalegno most recently starred for three seasons of Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, and will reprise his role in the theatrical feature based on the series. Additional credits include The Devil’s Mouth, the horror film produced by Lionsgate for Amazon Prime Video. He is represented by UTA, Luber Rocklin, and Skrzyniarz & Mallean.
Potter starred in the classic films Con Air, Along Came a Spider, and Patch Adams, as well as the long-running NBC series Parenthood. She is represented by Gersh and Pop Art Management.
Esten currently stars as Cain Ross on Homestead: The Series for Angel Studios and is well known for his performances as Deacon Claybourne on ABC’s Nashville and as Ward Cameron in Netflix’s Outer Banks. Next, he will appear in the films Flint and Drummer Boy. He is represented by Artists & Representatives.
Bridges is an Emmy winner who currently recurs as Howard “Senior” Markston on CBS’ acclaimed legal drama Matlock, starring opposite Kathy Bates. His film and TV credits include The Fabulous Baker Boys, Norma Rae, The Descendants, Without Warning: The James Brady Story, The Second Civil War, Masters of Sex, and Homeland. Bridges is represented by CAA.
Oyegun is a writer and director who previously executive produced and helmed several episodes of the NBC series This Is Us. She most recently served as writer and executive producer of Apple TV’s miniseries Imperfect Women. She is represented by Underground and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman.
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