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."
