Soul on Fire
2025 American film
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Soul on Fire is a 2025 American biographical drama film about John O'Leary, a real-life St. Louis native who survived fire burns which covered his entire body.[3] It is directed by Sean McNamara based on a screenplay by Gregory Poirier that adapted O'Leary's book On Fire, The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.[4] The film stars Joel Courtney portraying O'Leary, John Corbett, Stéphanie Szostak, Masey McLain, DeVon Franklin, and William H. Macy.
- J. Todd Harris
- Margaret French Isaac
- David Brookwell
- Sean McNamara
| Soul on Fire | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Sean McNamara |
| Written by | Gregory Poirier |
| Based on | On Fire, The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life by John O'Leary |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Bob Hayes |
| Edited by | Gregory Hobson |
| Music by | Mark Isham |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Sony Pictures Releasing |
Release date |
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Running time | 112 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $7.4 million[2] |
It was released in the United States and Canada on October 10, 2025 by Sony Pictures Releasing.
Cast
- Joel Courtney as John O'Leary[5]
- John Corbett as Dennis[5]
- Stéphanie Szostak
- Masey McLain
- DeVon Franklin
- William H. Macy as Jack Buck[5]
- Natalie Buck
- Iyad Hajjaj
- James McCracken
- Stella Bratcher as Amy O'Leary
- Mikey Cestone as Jim O’Leary
- Richard Esteras as Felon 2
- Hannah Marie Dahl as Kristy
- Spencer Davis Milford as Mike Bright
Production
In October 2023, it was announced that Macy, Corbett, Courtney and several other actors were cast in the film. Since the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike was occurring at the time, the filmmakers were granted an interim agreement to allow the film to be made.[3] Filming began in Missouri in November 2023.[6][7] Filming specifically occurred in Maplewood, Missouri.[8] Filming also took place in Saint Louis University.[9] Modern day scenes were shot at the New Busch Stadium while older scenes use special effects to depict the circular shaped Busch Memorial Stadium before it was demolished in 2005. [10]
Mark Isham was hired to compose the score.[11] Among the songs used in the soundtrack is "Wedding Song (There Is Love)" and "Soul on Fire" by Third Day.
Release
Soul on Fire was released on October 10, 2025.[12]
Reception
Box office
As of November 11, 2025[update], Soul on Fire has grossed $7.4 million.[2]
Critical response
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 10 critics' reviews are positive.[13]