Sony Pictures
Christian audiences have another opportunity to see how Hollywood treats one of their best-selling books released in the last five years. With more than 8 million copies of the book sold since 2010, Heaven Is for Real—the movie—is set to release in theaters Easter weekend.
The book, written by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent, tells the true story of Burpo’s son, 4-year-old Colton, who experienced heaven during an emergency life-saving surgery. Upon his return, Colton, now 13, shared stories of what he saw in heaven, including those he met and what God is like.
Oscar-nominated actor Greg Kinnear plays Todd Burpo, a small-town Nebraska pastor, while Kelly Reilly plays his wife, Sonja. Portraying young Colton is newcomer Connor Corum. The film also features Margo Martindale and Thomas Haden Church.
Randall Wallace—who wrote the Academy Award-winning film Braveheart and directed Secretariat—directs the film, with Joe Roth (Oz the Great and Powerful) and T.D. Jakes producing.
“[The book’s] true story and message of hope through the eyes of a child has already brought comfort and inspiration to millions,” says Matt Baugher, a senior vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson, which originally released the book. “The film will do the same.” —Gina Meeks
