TheWonder Projectmay have just been established in 2023, but the studio is already behind a host of upcoming films and television series. An independent faith-based studio, Wonder Project was established by veteran producer Jon Erwin, who was behind titles likeJesus Revolution,and former YouTube and Netflix executive Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten. The studio was created with a simple mission in mind: to produce stories catering to the Christian faith and Christian value-oriented viewers.Multiple financial backers, including Lionsgate and United Talent Agency, raised over $75 million to form the studio(viaDeadline).
In recent years, films meant for Christian audiences have experienced a kind of rebirth. Notably, 2023’sThe Sound of Freedomgarnered a respectable $250 million at the box office (viaBox Office Mojo). So, it makes sense that Wonder Project would want to produce pieces in the lucrative faith-based entertainment sphere. After all,over 65% of the American public, which doubles as the movie-going and television-watching public, identifies as Christian(viaPew Research Center). However, faith-centered entertainment is hardly a new phenomenon because titles likeThe Prince of Egyptand Mel Gibson’scontroversialThe Passion of The Christwere released over 20 years ago to great financial success.
House of David
A New Series Coming February 2025
House of Davidisan upcoming drama series set to tell the biblical story of David and Goliath. Specifically, the series will follow David’s rise to power to become the king of ancient Israel and Judah and the third king of the United Monarch.A trailer forHouse of Davidwas released at the end of January 2025 and echoes the central theme of the biblical story: “Can one stone change the course of history?”
The series was developed by Jon Erwin, one of the founders of Wonder Project. Newcomer Michael Iskander plays David while Ali Suliman is King Saul, Ayelet Zurer plays Queen Ahinoam, and Marytn Ford brings Goliath to life.A joint venture between Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios,House of David,will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video on February 27th, 2025, with eight episodes.
Sarah’s Oil (2025)
The Film Is Set For A Christmas 2025 Release
Sarah’s Oilis a biopic that tells thereal-life story of Sarah Rector, an 11-year-old Black girl who becomes an oil magnate after inheriting land.Sarah’s Oilstars Zachary Leviand Naya Desir-Johnson, who starred in titles likeThe Equalizer, as the eponymous character. Levi is also credited as a producer on the film, which is based on the 2014 bookThe Richest Black Girl in Americaby Tonya Bolding.
Cyrus Nowrasteh, who was behind projects likeThe Day Reagan Was Shot, Falcon Crest, Into the West,and the incredibly controversial docudrama,The Path to 9/11,directedSarah’s Oil. Amazon MGM Studios, Wonder Project, and a few other small production companies are behind the film.Sarah’s Oilis reportedly in post-production but is set for a US wide release on June 15, 2025 (viaDeadline).
The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion
A New Film With Reba McEntire
The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunionis an upcoming series produced by Wonder Project with country music superstar Reba McEntire set to star and produce.Reba has certainly been busy since deciding to leaveThe Voice, as she is also the star of the highly successful NBC sitcomHappy’s Place.
The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunionis based on the novel of the same name by Fannie Flagg, who also wroteFried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafeand penned its film adaptation.The Oscar-winning writer behind one ofRidley Scott’s best movies,Thelma and Louise, Callie Khouri, is set to direct with the Tony-nominated writer Bekah Brunstetter penning the script (viaDeadline).
Happy’s Place Cast Update Sets Up A Major Reba Reunion, 18 Years After The Comedy Series Ended
A new casting update for Happy’s Place sets up a major Reba reunion for the star and executive producer after the comedy series ended 18 years ago.
Few details regarding the film’s script have been released.However, it’s safe to assume that the movie will likely follow the events of the book, which chronicles Mrs. Sookie Poole’s journey of self-discovery.After Sookie receives some mysterious letters suggesting she’s adopted, she questions her life and relationship with her domineering 90-year-old mother. Still, she ultimately uncovers the story of the first group of female Air Force pilots.
Flyer
A Wright Brothers Biopic That Is In Development
Flyeris a biopic that will follow the story of the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, as they undergo personal challenges while inventing the first successful aircraft. Jon Gunn, who helmed the Hilary Swank faith-based vehicleOrdinary Angels,is set to direct the film. It’s worth noting that Gunn also serves as the head of story at the Wonder Project.
Jeremy Latcham, a creative force behindDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thievesandsome of the best Marvel films,is set to produce the upcoming feature. Emmy-winning journalist James Stolz, known for his work at CBS News, and Peter Doyle wrote the script. The film is reportedly still in development, with no details about the cast and release date currently available (viaTHR).
It’s Not Like That
The Drama Series About Two Single Parents Is Heading To Amazon
It’s Not Like Thatis a drama series currently being developed with Wonder Project at the helm. In November 2024,Amazon placed a cast-contingent series order forIt’s Not Like That, meaning that the studio will only back the project if it approves of the cast.But, so far, no details regarding the cast have been released, which likely means creatives are still searching for the right people to fill the roles.It’s Not Like Thatwill be the third joint production between an Amazon-affiliated studio and Wonder Project.
The series will follow Lori, a newly divorced mom of three, and Malcolm, a recently widowed minister with kids of his own, as they both try to navigate their newfound single lifestyles. Ian Deitchman and Kristin Robinson, who created the series, will serve as showrunners. The pair already has a history with Amazon streaming, as they served as producers on two other series, Off CampusandAs We See It.They also worked on series for other networks, like NBC’sOrdinary Joeand Fox’sAlmost Family.No further details regarding a release date or episode count have been released (viaDeadline).
The Breadwinner
Tri-Star Bought The Film Pitch
Not much is known about the comedy filmThe BreadwinnersinceDeadlineonly announced its existence in November 2024. All that’s been confirmed is that Tri-Star pre-emptively bought the film pitch from stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze and producer Dan Lagana, who are both set to produce.Reportedly, Bargatze is attached to star, which will mark his first leading role in a feature film.
The comedian has seen a lot of success in the past few years with his comedy specials. Bargatze’s 2023 hour-long specialNate Bargatze: Hello Worldheld the record for the most-viewed comedy special on Amazon Prime Video in its first 28 days of viewership.The Breadwinneris in very early development, as Bargatze is apparently still writing the script, so plot details are being kept under wraps. Wonder Project has assigned Jeremy Latcham to produce the film.
