Nicola A. Menzie There is a long list of new movies scheduled for release in 2023, and on it are several Christian titles. In this article, we highlight Christian movies and faith-friendly films being released in 2023 and beyond. Most, if not all, are Christian movies based on true stories.
We think these upcoming films and planned movie projects may surprise and delight viewers. However, details are still unfolding, so some of the information provided is speculative.
The Deliverance
Director: Lee Daniels
Cast: Glenn Close, Omar Epps, Caleb McLaughlin, Mo’Nique, and others
“The Deliverance” (also known as “Demon House”) is a paranormal movie about a Christian family who feel they are being targeted by malevolent spirits in their home. This creepy story is one of those that have been “ripped from the headlines.”
As Faithfully Magazine reported: It was revealed in a 2014 feature article by the IndyStar, titled “The exorcisms of Latoya Ammons,” that several people witnessed unexplained phenomena plaguing the family. Among those initially skeptical witnesses were individuals affiliated with the local police department, a church, hospital, and child services department.
The family was reportedly told that they were being targeted by demons. As usual with these kinds of movies, a priest is involved. What is rare for the haunted house genre is that the family at the center of this film are African American Christians. Their faith reportedly plays a central role in the movie.
“The Deliverance” will be another Christian movie on Netflix to watch.
The Thanksgiving Text
Writer: Abdul Williams (director currently unknown)
Cast: Unannounced
“The Thanksgiving Text” is based on a true story many of us have likely heard of. The movie centers on the haphazard meeting of Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton. Back in November 2016, Dench sent a text asking who she thought was her grandson if he was coming over for Thanksgiving. Hinton, 17, let her know that he was not the person she was looking for, but asked if he could still have dinner.
Without skipping a beat, Dench reportedly responded, “Of course you can. That’s what [grandmas] do … feed every one.”
Since then, Dench and Hinton have been getting together for Thanksgiving dinner every year, to the delight of internet admirers.
Many found their story so heartwarming, that it was picked up by Netflix in 2021 as a future movie project.
Dench and Hinton said through Netflix: “We are excited to share our story with the world. We hope it inspires more people to reach out and make connections that they wouldn’t ordinarily make. We are so blessed to find a genuine friendship brought together by God from a mistaken text message.”
It looks like “The Thanksgiving Text” will be a heartwarming, family-friendly drama that Christian viewers can enjoy.
The Bobby Love Story
Writer: Shalisha Francis (director currently unknown)
Cast: Octavia Spencer (so far)
“The Bobby Love Story” is sure to be interesting, as it’s another movie project with high-profile stars attached to it. The planned movie is not only based on a true story, but is also a Christian movie based on a book (The Redemption of Bobby Love).
The story focuses on Bobby and Cheryl Love, a Christian couple in New York City whose lives get turned upside down one fateful morning. The police come knocking, asking for Walter Miller. Soon enough, secrets come spilling out as Cheryl Love learns the true identity of the husband she had known for decades as Bobby Love.
Actresses Octavia Spencer and Kerry Washington are involved in producing the project for FX. “The Bobby Love Story” will reportedly be released as a one-hour drama. Spencer is also set to headline the drama, presumably portraying Cheryl Love.
Tani Adewumi’s Amazing Story
Producers: Trevor Noah, Haroon Saleem, and others (director currently unknown)
Cast: Unannounced
This untitled Paramount movie is very much in pre-production — if its script has even been written yet. That is primarily because the dramatic “conclusion” to Tani Adewumi’s story has only recently unfolded. It was reported right before Christmas 2022 that the Adewumis’ petition for asylum in the U.S. had been granted.
The Christian family fled Nigeria in 2017 after facing threats from terrorist group Boko Haram. They were living in a homeless shelter in New York City when the youngest, Tani, made national news. The Nigerian boy had won the 2019 NY State Championship chess tournament.
His story soon became available for readers of various ages through books, including My Name Is Tani . . . and I Believe in Miracles and Tani’s New Home.
These books will provide the source material for the future film project, according to Deadline.
Tani, now 12, has his sights set on one day becoming a Chess Grandmaster. It’s an accomplishment that could very well make the cut, if he happens to do it before the movie is filmed.
