Soul on Fire
| 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 |
|
| 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] |
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.
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, 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]
References
- ^ "SOUL ON FIRE". British Columbia Film Classification Office
Consumer Protection BC. October 2, 2025. Retrieved October 2, 2025. - ^ a b "Soul on Fire – Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (October 26, 2023). "William H. Macy, John Corbett, Joel Courtney & Others Set For Sean McNamara Pic 'On Fire' Based On True Story Of Severe Burn Survivor John O'Leary". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ Clark, Patrick (October 28, 2023). "'On Fire' film shooting in St. Louis links hope and baseball". KTVI. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c Neman, Daniel (October 27, 2023). "Film starring Joel Courtney, William H. Macy, John Corbett seeks St. Louis extras". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ Cohen, Robert; Neman, Daniel (November 9, 2023). "Feature film 'On Fire' begins shooting in Maplewood, telling the story of St. Louisian John O'Leary's survival". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ Geisinger, Gabriella (November 8, 2023). "William H Macy's new movie underway in US". KFTV.com. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ Clancy, Sam (November 7, 2023). "You might run into film crews in Maplewood this week". KSDK. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ Hinson, Tracy (November 10, 2023). "'On Fire' feature film spends 5 days shooting at Saint Louis University". KSDK. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ "'Soul On Fire Filming Locations (2025)'". October 11, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ^ Reporter, Film Music (July 2, 2025). "Mark Isham Scoring Sean McNamara's 'Soul on Fire'". Film Music Reporter. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (2025-04-15). "Sony's Affirm Films Dates 'Soul On Fire' Starring William H. Macy, John Corbett & Joel Courtney". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-04-18.
- ^ "Soul on Fire". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved October 21, 2025.