Movie trailer drops for ‘Soul on Fire,’ true story of St. Louis explosion survivor

NOTE: Video attached to this story is from FOX 2’s November 2023 report of filming for “Soul On Fire.” Click on the link in the first paragraph to watch the movie’s new trailer on YouTube.

ST. LOUIS – “Soul On Fire,” an upcoming film based on a St. Louis man’s survival after a childhood explosion, is set to hit theaters this fall, and a powerful movie trailer has just been released.

“Soul On Fire,” a production of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s AFFIRM Films, is based on thetrue 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.

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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 ofO’Leary’s bestselling memoir “On Fire.”

The upcoming film is the first major 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 portion of the movie wasfilmed in St. Louis County in November 2023.

Several iconic St. Louis landmarks, including the Gateway Arch, Saint Louis University and Busch Stadium, are featured prominently in the trailer, representing John’s deep connection to his hometown.

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The trailer depicts dramatic scenes of family and first responders rushing to help after a devastating explosion, as young John is rushed to the hospital. There, he receives critical care and support from medical professionals while fighting long odds for survival. His journey includes a special connection with St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck, whose support help shapes John’s perspective on life far beyond baseball.

As the trailer progresses, viewers see John growing up after the incident, attending school, bowling and working on home maintenance. Along the way, he forges relationships that ultimately inspire him to become a motivational speaker. His story unfolds as a message of resilience and hope, while encouraging others to overcome their own adversity.

“To move through the adversities of life, we must have a reason to thrive that is bigger than all the challenges that we face,” said John’s character in the trailer.

Directed by Sean McNamara, “Soul on Fire” will feature an acting cast of WilliamH.Macy, JohnCorbett, Joel Courtney, DeVon Franklin, Masey McLain and Stephanie Szostak. It is also expected to feature St. Louis-area landmarks like Shrine of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mercy Hospital and Saratoga Lanes.

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“I love St. Louis, and I love how well our community – its people and our landmarks – are represented in the film,” said O’Leary via a news release. “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.”

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

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