‘I Cried When I Read It’: William H. Macy on the Movie That Will Have You Believing in Miracles Again (EXCLUSIVE)

In theaters on October 10, Soul on Fire is an inspiring new film that brings to life the extraordinary true story of John O’Leary, a man who survived unimaginable odds and went on to become a beacon of hope for millions.

Based on O’Leary’s bestselling memoir On Fire, the movie captures the strength of family and the impact of faith and purpose.

Featuring a powerhouse cast — William H. Macy, John Corbett, Joel Courtney, and Stephanie Szostak — and directed by Sean McNamara, Soul on Fire delivers a powerful message: no matter how dark life gets, hope can always rise from the ashes.

The true story behind ‘Soul on Fire’

At 9, John O’Leary suffered burns over 100% of his body after a devastating house fire caused by a gasoline explosion. He was given a 1% chance to live. What followed was a grueling journey of recovery — marked by pain, surgeries, and physical and emotional trauma. But it was also a story of miracles: the unwavering love of his parents, the support of his siblings, the dedication of a burn unit medical team, and an unexpected visit from baseball legend Jack Buck that would change everything.

William H. Macy, John Corbett, Stephanie Szostak, and Sean McNamara open up to Woman’s World in an exclusive interview about how John’s incredible resilience — and his eventual decision to share his story in Soul on Fire — has inspired them and millions around the world.

“It is necessary that the world sees John’s story because he’s so inspirational,” director Sean McNamara says, “I like to tell movies that are inspirational about people that come back from a terrific loss, and not only just come back, they exceed. When I met John, he was just so filled with love. I mean, he’s a hugger. The first time I met him, he just gave me this big hug. We need more of that. We need more people to connect with each other. The world’s a little bit broken up right now. We need to start bringing people together. I think inspirational movies are the way to do it.”

“I cried when I read it,” says William H. Macy, who plays Jack Buck. “I was very moved. It’s got a lot of humor in it too. And Jack Buck is a really fascinating guy. It’s a little daunting to play someone that everybody knows. It’s just a great story. It’s about a hero, a guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer, who persevered. And those are the stories that we just love.”

“I do hope viewers go to the movies on October 10 because watching an inspirational movie with a bunch of people around you has a whole different vibe and feel,” says Sean. “I really want them to walk into that theater, because we go in with our problems and walk out being joyful. We have something to cheer for by the end.”

John Corbett and Stephanie Szostak share emotional moments on set

“This was a very serious story we’re telling, and yet, it was a really fun set to be around. Sean McNamara and John O’Leary really put that vibe in. John Corbett loves to play practical jokes, and he played a couple of practical jokes on me,” reveals actress Stephanie Szostak, who plays John O’Leary’s mother, Susan. “One day, I came into my trailer, and there was a plate of half-eaten meatballs and a crumpled napkin and, I was like, ‘Oh my god, somebody ate in my trailer!’ I came in the van with him, and he was like, ‘What’s going on? You look a little bit disturbed.’ I said, ‘Somebody came in my trailer and ate!’ And he was like, ‘That’s messed up. We should go to security!’ It was him!”

“She got lucky, though,” Corbett says with a laugh, “Because sometimes on a set, I will get from the craft service table a tuna fish sandwich and put it in a costars bottom drawer in their trailer, so they won’t know there’s a tuna sandwich in there for about four or five days!”

“It’s just fun,” he continues. “You get bored on set. William H. Macy would bring his ukulele though, and sit in the hallway and make us funny little limericks and songs, which I will always remember. That was fun!”

“Even though the story is very emotional and frightening at times, it was light on the set,” recalls Macy. “I think there’s wisdom in that because, as we were said earlier, I’ve been on very funny movies serious, because comedy is tough. I don’t know why, but John lightened it. He runs a really lovely set that everybody feels safe and we know we’re in good hands.”

How John O’Leary’s story of survival became a movie

With Soul on Fire being based on O’Leary’s real story, the inspiring hero and his parents came around the set often to spend time with the actors, director and crew.

“It sounded like I’d have to please them in my mind before I got there. But then once I got there, and I got to know Danny and Susan (John O’Leary’s parents) for a little bit before, and they’re just great,” says John Corbett, who portrays Danny O’Leary. “It was no problem for me. I really enjoyed it.”

“It was easier because John was on set,” says William H. Macy, “He’s so ebullient and happy. He was so thrilled to be on a film set. He loved every part of it, and I think that kind of took the onus off of getting this right.”

“Every morning, he hugged everybody on the set. He just brought joy. He asked about them and their family. I learned from that. I like to hang around people that I can learn from, and John O’Leary is one of those guys that just finds the goodness in everybody.”

“We even shot scenes in the hospital too when John is little, and there were nurses who actually cared for John years ago, who were there on set with us,” says Szostak. “I’ve never played a real character before, and all of this made it more real. You see John back in the corner of your eye on set, and you’re like, ‘Now, this is a true story that we get to bring to people!’”

“John just brings pure joy to everyone, and that’s what I want to do with people,” says McNamara. “I want to bring them joy. I want to bring them like happiness.”

Where to watch ‘Soul on Fire’ in theaters this October

O’Leary’s story is a heartfelt reminder of the power of love, miracles, and unshakable hope in the face of life’s toughest times. McNamara and the talented cast brought a story to life that reflects the real courage of John O’Leary and the people who helped him heal and survive. The touching film reminds viewers that even in our darkest hours, a spark of faith can ignite something extraordinary.

Purchase tickets at Soulonfiremovie.com/tickets/