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
26.10.2023 - 19:27
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: William H. Macy (Shameless), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Joel Courtney (The Kissing Booth), DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution), and Stephanie Szostak (A Million Little Things) are among those set to star in On Fire, another new film from Sean McNamara (Reagan) that has landed a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement and will begin production in St. Louis November 6.
News of the project comes following McNamara’s recent commitment to direct the indie One Man’s Castle, penned by producer John Zaring, for Zaring/Cioffi Entertainment, Virtuosity Media, and his own banner Brookwell McNamara Entertainment. Rounding out the cast of today’s film, based on the bestseller by inspirational speaker John O’Leary, are Masey McLain (I Am Not Ashamed), Natalie Buck (Marry Me), and James McCracken (Christmas Again).
Believed to be the first feature to take advantage of Missouri’s new production tax credit, On Fire was adapted for the screen by Gregory Poirier (Knox Goes Away, The Spy Next Door). The film picks up with a nine-year-old O’Leary as he’s given virtually no chance of survival, after being burned in a harrowing accident over 100% of his body. In his fight to live and show us what’s possible, he winds up leaning on his family, faith, and the entire city of St. Louis, including legendary St. Louis Cardinals announcer Jack Buck.
Producers on the film include J. Todd Harris and Margaret French Isaac, as well as McNamara and partner David Brookwell. Exec producers include Linda Huntington, Terry Schnuck, and O’Leary. Amy Powers co-produces. Joey Paul Jensen and Niner Parikh are overseeing casting.
O’Leary says that “On Fire weaves together tragedy, redemption, baseball and a love story. At a time of so much