How ‘I Can Only Imagine’ Became a Breakout Indie Hit

Sony’s Affirm label just didn’t have much faith when it came to the film I Can Only Imagine, twice letting the Christian-themed breakout get away.

Instead, the Dennis Quaid starrer has become Roadside Attractions’ highest-grossing film ever, with a $71 million box-office haul to date, far eclipsing the specialty label’s previous high-water mark, Manchester by the Sea.Sony originally developed the faith-based film — which chronicles the true story behind MercyMe’s chart-topping song of the same name — but walked away from the project in 2015.

So producer Kevin Downes bought the rights and — along with directors Andrew and…

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