At just nine years old, John O’Leary was burned on 100% of his body and given only a 1% chance of survival. He lost his fingers and endured unimaginable pain. But through prayer, his father’s strength, and a faithful community, he chose to live and trust God’s purpose.
His story is now the subject of “Soul on Fire”, a new film from AFFIRM Films and director Sean McNamara, opening in theaters nationwide on October 10. Joel Courtney plays young John, and John Corbett portrays his father, Denny. William H. Macy and DeVon Franklin also star.
The film, based on O’Leary’s bestselling book, highlights his decision to choose hope. “You do not get to choose the path you walk, but you get to choose how you walk it,” Courtney said.
Shot in St. Louis, where O’Leary still lives, the movie tells how God used friends, family, and even a tough-love nurse to restore John’s purpose.
