Soul on Fire

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. 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. 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
John Corbett as Dennis
Stéphanie Szostak
Masey McLain
DeVon Franklin
William H. Macy as Jack Buck
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. Filming began in Missouri in November 2023. Filming specifically occurred in Maplewood, Missouri. Filming also took place in Saint Louis University. 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.
Mark Isham was hired to compose the score. Among the songs used in the soundtrack is "Wedding Song " and "Soul on Fire" by Third Day.

Release

Soul on Fire was released on October 10, 2025.

Reception

Box office

, Soul on Fire has grossed $7.4 million.

Critical response