Introduction: A First Look at Soul On Fire’s Visual Identity

Sony’s AFFIRM Films has just released the first official poster for Soul On Fire, the upcoming inspirational drama starring Joel Courtney as burn survivor and bestselling author John O’Leary. The unveiling marks an exciting new phase in the film’s promotional rollout, as audiences get their first visual taste of the emotional journey set to hit theaters nationwide on October 10, 2025.

This poster doesn’t just advertise a film — it captures the spirit of survival, resilience, and purpose that defines John O’Leary’s story and Joel Courtney’s portrayal of him.

The Poster: Symbolism and Visual Message

The poster showcases a silhouette of Joel Courtney standing in the midst of a radiant orange glow — symbolizing both literal fire and spiritual awakening. Behind him, a wash of light filters upward like hope rising from tragedy. The film’s title, Soul On Fire, is centered in bold serif lettering, evoking both strength and elegance.

It’s a powerful composition: fire as both a destructive force and a metaphor for passion, transformation, and rebirth. The warm color palette suggests healing, while the central figure invites the audience to imagine themselves on a similar path of overcoming the impossible.

Joel Courtney as John O’Leary: The Face of Survival and Strength

In this first key art release, Joel Courtney steps fully into the identity of John O’Leary — a man who beat the odds through courage, community, and faith. While Joel’s image is not shown in full photographic detail, his presence as the central silhouette reflects the universal nature of the story: a reminder that we all carry the ability to rise from ashes.

This film marks another step in Joel’s evolution as an actor who can carry emotionally complex, real-life roles. The poster hints at the gravitas he brings to the screen, emphasizing vulnerability, perseverance, and spiritual strength — qualities at the heart of the role and the story itself.

Introduction: A Role That Sparks Inspiration

In what may be his most emotionally charged and inspiring role yet, Joel Courtney stars in the upcoming film Soul On Fire, set for a theatrical release on October 10, 2025. The just-released trailer has already stirred conversation among fans and critics alike, highlighting Joel's dramatic range in a story rooted in real-life triumph. Directed by Sean McNamara, known for Reagan and Soul Surfer, this film marks a powerful turning point in Joel’s already impressive acting journey.

As audiences around the world prepare to experience this inspirational journey, Soul On Fire invites viewers into a story of unimaginable adversity, personal faith, and community strength. It’s a performance that could redefine Joel Courtney’s career—and touch millions in the process.

The Real Story Behind "Soul On Fire"

Soul On Fire is inspired by the true story of John O’Leary, who, at the age of 9, suffered burns on 100% of his body in a tragic home accident. With no hope of survival, John’s journey became one of the most miraculous recoveries ever recorded. His tale, documented in the 2016 bestselling memoir On Fire, is more than just a survival story—it’s a testament to resilience, love, and the extraordinary power of community.

The film traces John’s harrowing early days in the hospital, the relentless support of his family, and the unexpected role played by baseball icon Jack Buck, who became a source of unwavering encouragement. The story continues into adulthood, as John transforms his pain into a mission to help others find purpose and passion in their own lives.

Joel Courtney as John O’Leary: A New Kind of Hero

Taking on the role of John O’Leary was no small feat, and Joel Courtney approaches it with gravity and grace. Known for his breakout performance in Super 8 and his fan-favorite role in The Kissing Booth series, Joel steps into a dramatically different realm—portraying a real person who faced unimaginable odds and lived to inspire millions.

Joel immersed himself in the emotional and physical reality of John’s journey. From studying burn trauma to understanding the psychological aftermath, his performance reflects deep preparation and empathy. This role showcases Joel’s evolution as an actor—one who can balance vulnerability with strength, and raw pain with powerful hope.

From "Deadline" : "Bailee Madison, Joel Courtney & Annie Potts Lead Rom-Com ‘40 Dates And 40 Nights’"

EXCLUSIVE: Under the radar rom-com 40 Dates and 40 Nights has wrapped production in Houston, with cast including Bailee Madison (Pretty Little Liars), Joel Courtney (The Kissing Booth), Annie Potts (Ghostbusters), Jai Rodriguez (Bros) and Luxy Banner (The Get Together).

The story revolves around Leah Jones (Madison), who is navigating the challenges of dating. Gigi (Potts), her grandmother, bets her a full year’s rent if she can prove love isn’t out there after 40 consecutive dates.

Andy Delaney directs from a script inspired by true events from Sarah “Howie” Howard. Vance Howard is executive producer for Lucky Number 8 Productions. The film is a co-production between Lucky Number 8 and Rebellium Films (Cottonmouth), produced by Randy Wayne and Madison, with co-producers Sandler Weinberg and Sarah Howard.

Supporting cast includes Jack Schumacher, Eric Nelsen, Bethany Geaber, Mia Challis, Sterling Knight, Mark Hapka, Jeremy Culhan and Randy McDowell.

Vance Howard stated: “When I read the script for 40 Dates, it reminded me of the golden age of rom-coms; I could not stop laughing. Not only is it hilarious, but there are so many themes that relate to everyday life, and the message is to find what makes you happy no matter what. I’m so pleased with this film and the work everyone put into it.”

Delaney added: “I jumped at this opportunity because the script is laugh out loud funny and moving. We have a fabulous cast who are so very good at mining scenes for comedy while being effortlessly relatable. I’m living the dream, mate!”

Delaney and Lucky Number 8 Productions previously teamed on the 2022 film Holly By Nightfall.

Madison is repped by 360 Management and UTA. Potts is repped by Vault Entertainment and Innovative Artists. Courtney is repped by Authentic Talent Group and Gersh. All three are repped by Myman, Greenspan. Banner is repped by Alchemy Entertainment and Collier Talent Agency. Rodriguez is repped by Established Artists and Gersh.

From "Movie Guide" : "How Faith Drives JESUS REVOLUTION Star’s Career"

Actor Joel Courtney explained how his faith keeps him grounded in Hollywood and discussed the incredible privilege he felt working on Jesus Revolution.

“My faith is absolutely what kept me grounded [growing up]. My dad was just steadfast in his position as a bringer of wisdom in my life… Anytime I went down to Los Angeles from the age of 13 to 20, he was with me and — there’s a lot of people out there trying to get a leg up on people, take advantage of people, just industry weirdness — he took better care of me than I could have been aware of at the time, and I don’t think I will continue to be aware of until I have my own kids,” Courtney told Andy Erwin. “He really lived out a father’s love to me.”

“To the aspect of my faith, I really accepted Jesus personally in my faith when I was on SUPER EIGHT because it was my first time leaving [Idaho], it was my first time leaving a small-town community, tight Christian community and seeing, like, atheists… like really interacting with non-Christians,” he continued. “So I was like, wow, these people need Jesus. Like, oh, I need Jesus more than just, my parents are Christians so I’m a Christian.”

“Jesus has been my rock through crazy times in Hollywood, low times in my career, and in the good times. Jesus Revolutionised my life by loving me,” he said previously.

Since then, Courtney’s faith has played a major role in his acting career from relying on the Lord’s wisdom when considering roles to taking on faith-based projects to inspire others.

“[It’s] trying to make good decisions which jobs to take, which jobs not to take, that is a challenge as a Christian,” Courtney explained. “That has been a challenge to figure out, like, especially in this day and age, there’s scripts that I read, like, I’m not comfortable doing, like, sexual acts or nudity or stuff like that, I’m just like, that’s not me.”

While holding true to his faith has caused him to lose out on some economic success, remaining faithful to the Lord has paid out dividends for Courtney that he could have never dreamed of. Working on Jesus Revolution, for example, allowed him to encourage millions of people in their faith and inspire thousands to give their lives over to the Lord.

“I can’t fathom the generational blessing that Jesus Revolution has been,” he said. “I’ve seen it in the first generation’s life, the people who saw it, their kids, you know, will be affected by it, Lord willing, and their children’s children.”

“I just connected with it immediately,” Courtney said of JESUS REVOLUTION. “First off, anything with the gospel in it, I’m immediately passionate about. There’s a joy in my faith that I long for others to experience.”

Jesus Revolution won a Teddy Bear Award® at Movieguide®’s 2024 awards gala. Movieguide®’s review reads:

JESUS REVOLUTION is incredibly well made and captivating. It has many scenes with jeopardy and inspiring, well-written presentations of Jesus’ Gospel. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution because the movie accurately depicts the drug scene from an impartial viewpoint that might attract younger children. The movie also shows Greg Laurie’s mother’s constant drunkenness and philandering. The immoral behavior is part of the true stories in JESUS REVOLUTION, which, to an amazing degree, have been made into an exciting, cohesive, uplifting movie.

Come see me tonight in Napa Valley!

Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St, St Helena, CA, 94574

The Cameo Cinema welcomes JOEL COURTNEY for its "Nightmare on Main Street" event on November 2, 2024, showtime is 7:00pm. We will be screening J.J. Abrams' Sci-Fi classic, SUPER 8 with a curated Q&A with Joel following the film. SUPER 8 follows several youngsters (Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso) in 1979 Ohio who are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment.They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident.

Since he burst onto the scene in the summer of 2011 in J.J. Abrams’ SUPER 8, Joel starred in a number of films since and ultimately became well known for his leading role opposite Joey King and Jacob Elordi in the hit KISSING BOOTH trilogy for Netflix. Joel was the leading man opposite Kelsey Grammar in the 2023 Lionsgate feature JESUS REVOLUTION, which broke box office records as Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film since 2019. Tickets $10

This event is part of the Cameo Cinema’s “Nightmare on Main Street” event (November 2 to November 3) as we explore the spooky science behind the horror movies we love with Hollywood's celebrated artists and creators!

From "Patch" : "In Person! Netflix star Joel Courtney at Cameo Cinema for SUPER 8 Screening"

The Cameo Cinema welcomes JOEL COURTNEY for its "Nightmare on Main Street" event on November 2, 2024, showtime is 7:00pm. We will be screening J.J. Abrams' classic horror film, SUPER 8 with a curated Q&A with Joel following the film. SUPER 8 follows several youngsters (Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso) in 1979 Ohio who are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train derailment.They soon discover that the catastrophe was no accident.

Since he burst onto the scene in the summer of 2011 in J.J. Abrams’ SUPER 8, Joel starred in a number of films since and ultimately became well known for his leading role opposite Joey King and Jacob Elordi in the hit KISSING BOOTH trilogy for Netflix. Joel was the leading man opposite Kelsey Grammar in the 2023 Lionsgate feature JESUS REVOLUTION, which broke box office records as Lionsgate’s highest-grossing film since 2019. Tickets $10

This event is part of the Cameo Cinema’s “Nightmare on Main Street” event (November 2 to November 3) as we explore the spooky science behind the horror movies we love with Hollywood's celebrated artists and creators!

https://patch.com/california/napavalley/calendar/event/20241102/3ec3365a-9c89-4eb7-9ed1-7172feb23efc/in-person-netflix-star-joel-courtney-at-cameo-cinema-for-super-8-screening