'God's Not Dead 2: He's Surely Alive' to Release Easter 2016, to Feature 'Duck Dynasty' Star Sadie Robertson

God's Not Dead
"God's Not Dead 2" stars Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Jesse Metcalf (Desperate Housewives)  Pure Flix

God's Not Dead 2: He's Surely Alive, the sequel to the popular 2014 film, is slated for Easter 2016 release and will feature a variety of well-known celebrities, including Duck Dynasty darling Sadie Robertson.

"God's Not Dead 2 will have audiences standing unashamedly and firmly in their faith during a time when it seems increasingly unfavorable and divisive to do so in the public square," reads the press release for the movie. "In a story that could easily be pulled from today's headlines, it's good to remember some things will always remain the same: 'God IS Surely Alive!'"

The highly anticipated faith-based film will star Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Jesse Metcalf (Desperate Housewives), Fred Thompson ("Law & Order"), and Hayley Orrantia ("The Goldbergs"). Producer David A. R. White, who helped produce both "God's Not Dead" and "God's Not Dead 2," also recurs his role as Reverend Dave in the sequel.

"Duck Dynasty" star Sadie Robertson will follow in the footsteps of her parents, Willie and Korie, who made a cameo in the first "God's Not Dead" film. Christian rock band The Newsboys will also make an appearance in the upcoming film, according to a report from Town Hall.

While the first "God's Not Dead" film followed a young Christian student who challenged his atheist teacher to examine his lack of faith, the new film will address the freedom of religion, as high school teacher Grace Wesley (Hart) faces opposition when she tries to speak about Jesus Christ openly in her classroom.

Reads a description of the film: "With the principal and superintendent teaming up with a zealous civil liberties group represented by an attorney with no love lost for God, Grace faces an epic court case with the help of sympathetic and charismatic defense lawyer, that could cost her the career she had always dreamed of - and expel God from the classroom once and for all."

The success of God's Not Dead came as a surprise to many, as it cost just $2 million to make, and grossed over $60 million at the the box office. In addition to receiving stellar reviews from a variety of secular outlets, the film also received the GMA Dove Award for Inspirational Film of the Year, beating out other faith-based films like Roma Downey and Mark Burnett's Son of God, and Heaven Is for Real.

Reverend DeVon Franklin, senior producer of box-office hit Heaven is for Real, believes the success of faith-based movies is a strong indication that moviegoers crave films they can bring the whole family to.

"The audience is saying and consistently saying this year...we want more movies that are faith-affirming, that are life-affirming, that are uplifting, that are inspirational," he told Variety of the success of films like God's Not Dead.

"If there's a sense that there's a growing market and a growing hunger for more films like this, then the desire to continue to provide more films will increase, and decisions will be made to be able to make more films like this."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.