ST. LOUIS – “Soul On Fire,” the moving story of a St. Louis man who survived a life-threatening accidental explosion as a child, is coming to theaters this fall.

“Soul On Fire,” a production of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s AFFIRM Films, is based on the true story of John O’Leary, who survived a massive explosion in his family’s home at just nine years old. The explosion left him with severe burns across much of his body, and at one point, he was given a 1% chance of surviving.

In the present day, O’Leary is a motivational speaker and author who credits his experience with shaping his mission to inspire others to live with courage and gratitude. “Soul On Fire” will be a theatrical version of O’Leary’s bestselling memoir “On Fire.”

“It’s a celebration of the everyday heroes who show up in our lives when we need them most as well as a love letter to the city where I was raised and where I live today,” said O’Leary via a news release. “My hope is that this film will inspire audiences to recognize the fire burning within them and to live with greater courage, passion, and purpose.”

The upcoming film is the first major film production shot in the St. Louis area to benefit from Missouri’s new tax incentives program, which is aimed at attracting more movie and TV projects to the state. A significant amount of filming took place in November 2023 in St. Louis County.

“Soul On Fire” also showcases several iconic St. Louis landmarks, including the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Saint Louis University, Shrine of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mercy Hospital and Saratoga Lanes.

At its heart, the plot follows how the St. Louis community and medical professionals came together to save O’Leary’s life and how an unexpected friendship with legendary Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck shaped his perspective of life.

“I love St. Louis, and I love how well our community – its people and our landmarks – are represented in the film,” said O’Leary. “While the settings, architecture and backdrops all added to the film, this is really a story about who we are as a city and as a community. I was fortunate to have many of the same people who helped me 40 years ago take part in this production, and I can’t wait to share our story with the world.”

Directed by Sean McNamara, “Soul on Fire” will feature an acting cast of William H. Macy, John Corbett, Joel Courtney, DeVon Franklin, Masey McLain and Stephanie Szostak.

The film is currently scheduled to premiere exclusively in movie theaters nationwide on Oct. 10, 2025.

NOTE: Video is from FOX 2’s November 2023 report of filming for “Soul On Fire.”