Story Behind The Movie “I Can Only Imagine 2” and the Song “Even If”

When the hit film I Can Only Imagine debuted, it shared the powerful story of Bart Millard’s journey toward healing and the creation of one of the most beloved songs in Christian music history. Now, the story continues with the release of I Can Only Imagine 2 (2026), a sequel that dives deeper into the life of the MercyMe frontman as he navigates the complexities of fame, family, and a new friendship that would change everything.

The Next Chapter: Faith and Family

Directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, the new film stars John Michael Finley, reprising his role as Bart Millard, and features Milo Ventimiglia as singer-songwriter Tim Timmons. The story picks up after the massive success of the original song, showing the personal toll that a thriving career can take on a family. Central to this chapter is Bart’s relationship with his son, Sam, and the arrival of Tim Timmons, whose own perspective on life brings a “renewed gratitude” to the band.

The Story Behind “Even If”

While the first movie focused on the legacy of “I Can Only Imagine,” the sequel centers on the hit single “Even If.” The song was born out of a period of immense trial and serves as a powerful anthem for anyone facing unanswered prayers. In the film, we see how the collaboration between Bart and Tim Timmons—who has navigated a 25-year journey with an incurable cancer diagnosis—gave life to a message that holding onto hope is possible, even when the circumstances don’t change.

Behind the Scenes at the Imagine House

To truly understand the heartbeat of the movie and the music, look no further than the creative space where these songs come to life. Below is an exclusive look at the MercyMe studio (The Imagine Cabin), featuring Tim Timmons himself. In this video, Tim gives a tour of the studio, shares the raw reality of his health journey, and discusses what it’s like to be featured in the new film.