Milo Ventimiglia & Arielle Kebbel Lead 'I Can Only Imagine 2' Cast at Nashville Premiere

The sequel to the 2018 hit film arrives in theaters on February 20.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Actors Milo Ventimiglia, Arielle Kebbel, John Michael Finley, Sophie Skelton, Sammy Dell, and Trace Adkins attended the Nashville premiere of the new film "I Can Only Imagine 2", which is a sequel to the 2018 hit movie. The film follows MercyMe's Bart Millard (played by John Michael Finley) as he navigates fame and family challenges.

Why it matters

The original "I Can Only Imagine" film was a surprise box office success, grossing over $83 million. The sequel continues the story of the hit song and the band MercyMe, exploring themes of faith, family, and finding purpose.

The details

"I Can Only Imagine 2" is directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, with McCorkle also writing the script. The film's official synopsis describes Bart Millard's struggle to balance his successful music career with repairing relationships, especially with his son Sam. Milo Ventimiglia plays a newcomer to the band named Tim Timmons who helps Bart rediscover what's most important.

  • The Nashville premiere took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • The film is set to be released in U.S. theaters on February 20, 2026.

The players

Milo Ventimiglia

An American actor known for his roles in shows like "This Is Us" and films such as "Rocky Balboa".

Arielle Kebbel

An American actress who has appeared in TV series like "Ballers" and "The Vampire Diaries".

John Michael Finley

An actor who portrays Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, in the "I Can Only Imagine" films.

Sophie Skelton

A British actress starring as Bart Millard's wife Shannon in "I Can Only Imagine 2".

Sammy Dell

An actor playing the role of Bart Millard's son Sam in the "I Can Only Imagine" sequel.

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What’s next

The film "I Can Only Imagine 2" is set to be released in U.S. theaters on February 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The sequel to the surprise hit "I Can Only Imagine" continues the story of the Christian band MercyMe, exploring how fame and success can strain personal relationships. The film's themes of faith, family, and finding purpose in the midst of challenges are likely to resonate with audiences who connected with the original movie.