AUSTIN, Texas — Soul on Fire, the powerful new film based on John O’Leary’s bestselling memoir, brings a true story of survival, healing, and hope to the big screen.
John O’Leary and actor Joel Courtney sat down with Sierra Waggoner to share the emotional journey behind the film and why its message resonates far beyond the screen.
John recounted the life-altering event that set everything into motion:
“Yeah. So at age nine, growing up in St Louis, Missouri, I was burned in a house fire on 100% of my body. No chance of surviving, by God. So, it’s a miraculous story of how ordinary people showed up in mighty ways for me. What they did, the love they offer, the mercy they sent my way. Five months of recovery and hospital. And then, in my mind, the real story begins.
Once he comes home and wrestles with what kind of life do you want to live now? Do you want to be defined for the rest of your life as a victim to your circumstances and scars, or do you want to fully wake up and live the life in front of you? And, part of the story is taking place as a child, but I think in some regards, Joel, the more exciting, more impactful season of life is actually afterwards is when John wrestles as a young man with how to see beauty, when he’s stuck in the past of seeing only the broken.”
For actor Joel Courtney, the role of John was more than just another film—it was a calling:
“I mean, the thing that drew me to this was John’s overcoming his victim mentality. John, you know, he survived this house fire. He survived the hospital. But that’s not the end of the story. He thrives now. He has found joy in the healing—not the perfection of your scars, but the outcome the ability to embrace it. And I think that’s what everyone needs.
Because not everyone’s been in a house fire, but everyone has experienced pain and hurt, and there’s redemption that can come through healing. And there’s lessons that can be learned and love that can be poured out into other people.”
Sierra asked John how he balances sharing his faith so boldly, while remaining accessible to viewers from all walks of life. His response reflected the heart of the film’s message:
“I think we have a pretty good model. And… Jesus, absolutely, seems like the kind of leader who shows up at a well and loves the one in front of them. And so, occasionally, I think Christians get a reputation—sometimes earned—of being judgmental. And yet we have a God who sat with us and put his arm around us. I try to do that as a speaker. I try to do it as an author. We try to do it in this film.
And I think when we do that in the marketplace of life, it attracts others—those who believe like we do, and those who might be repulsed by our beliefs… until they know us, they know our heart, and then they know our God. So this film is faith-friendly, but it’s friendly enough to bring people who are nonbelievers alongside of you. Sit down for a couple of hours, be encouraged, be inspired, laugh and cry, grab a piece of pizza afterwards and talk about life.”
The film delivers a universal message—one of healing, courage, and the freedom to rise above pain—wrapped in a story that invites everyone to reflect on their own journey.
Soul on Fire is now playing in theaters nationwide head to soulonfiremovie.com to see it on the silver screen!