Actor Joel Courtney and John O’Leary discuss the new film “Soul on Fire,” which is based on O’Leary’s life. It is coming to theaters on October 10th.
From director Sean McNamara (“Reagan”), the movie is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book “On Fire” by John O’Leary.
The synopsis is: John O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was nine years-old.
Given no chance of survival, John endures an unbelievable road to recovery with the support of his family, faith, community and the kindness of his all-time idol, Baseball Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck.
Grateful for his miracle and shaped by life’s struggles, John’s mission to better the world inspires millions to do the extraordinary.
Courtney on his experience shooting this movie
On his experience filming “Soul on Fire,” Courtney exclaimed, “It was incredible. Getting to film in St. Louis and getting to be in all the locations that John O’Leary lived in (his church and parent’s house where he lived in) was absolutely awesome.”
“It was great to walk in John’s shoes and to get to see his hometown,” Courtney added.
Working with the cast and crew
On working with the cast and crew, O’Leary said, “This was all a brand new experience for me, especially since I am not a Hollywood guy. I had some concerns about it initially, but it was incredible working with director Sean McNamara, who has no ego.”
“Each person on this set was wonderful, and just better than the next. Not only were they phenomenal actors as professionals, but they are better people and they’ve become dear friends. I just loved it,” O’Leary admitted.
Lessons learned from this screenplay
On the lessons learned from this screenplay, Courtney reflected, “I think I am a little lazy. I think I can do more! This film and John’s life encouraged me to step up and make more of my life, and live more intentionally, actively, and to love people more.”
“It is important to say that it is a true story,” O’Leary said. “I learned that this life we often take for granted, is incredible.”
“It is beautiful and it is worth celebrating and sharing. Not only because the story is about me; it is about life, community and coming together for something bigger than yourself,” O’Leary explained.
Working with Masey McLain
On working with Masey McLain, Courtney exclaimed, “Masey is incredible and wildly talented. She’s very giving, supportive, and collaborative. She truly embodied Beth.”
O’Leary explained, “Beth is this dichotomy of character. She is goofy but smart. She is faithful but driven by science, and she is gorgeous; that’s my wife. Masey is all these things as well. She was the perfect Beth, and that have become dear friends too.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, O’Leary said with a sweet laugh, “Mine is ‘The Ending.’ It’s the final chapter… it’s a short collection of stories but there are two pages are left in it.”
“Mine is ‘Love’,” O’Leary clarified. “If you can love the one in front of you, your life and their life changes.”
“The title of my life is ‘Growth’,” Courtney revealed.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, Courtney said, “Social media is tough. I know that it has an incredible way of connecting people, but i think it is really taking a toll on this generation. I think that the idea of comparison is the thief of joy.”
“When you see the highlight reel of other people’s lives, that makes your day-to-day life seem dull and mute,” Courtney noted.
“I encourage a lot of people to get off social media, and go outside get some sun, fresh air, and take a walk so they can experience live more naturally. I think it is such a tricky space,” Courtney elaborated.
“We were told that social media was going to connect us, and I think the reality of it is that it has done the opposite,” O’Leary observed.
“It shoves a schism between the sides. If you step away from social media and meet the person in front of you, it is almost impossible not to care for them,” O’Leary explained.
Closing thoughts on ‘Soul on Fire’
For fans and viewers, Courtney stated about the film, “I want people to know that ‘anything is possible.’ Even the impossible is possible. God is good, God is love, and love the people around you. Be thankful for the community that you have and don’t take it for granted.”.
“When people leave the theater, and we ask them who the hero is, we are getting 11 different answers,” O’Leary said. “I don’t know of any other film I’ve ever seen where it’s not obvious who the hero is.”
“In our story, there really are no villains; adversity is one of the villains. Seeing yourself and your scars is one of the villains, but then the heroes show up… The call is for people to recognize that in their DNA, they are called to be a hero,” O’Leary concluded.
To learn more about Joel Courtney, follow him on Instagram.
For more information on John O’Leary, follow him on Instagram.
