Tickets for What If…15th Anniversary are available now at Fathom Entertainment and participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change).
Before Dallas Jenkins captivated the world with his groundbreaking series The Chosen, which has become a global phenomenon exploring the life of Jesus and his followers, he made his mark with What If…?, a heartfelt story of second chances, faith, and the life we were meant to live. Inspired by the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, this modern-day tale first hit screens 15 years ago and has since grown in popularity, touching audiences with its message of surrender and redemption. Now, Jenkins is bringing it back to theaters for a special two-night anniversary event on August 5 and 7, courtesy of Fathom Entertainment.
In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, Jenkins opened up about the film’s origins, its personal significance, and how it paved the way for his later successes. Starring Kevin Sorbo as Ben Walker—a high-powered businessman who abandoned his faith only to wake up in an alternate life as a small-town pastor married to his college sweetheart (played by Kristy Swanson)—the movie also features memorable performances from John Ratzenberger and Debby Ryan. It blends humor, heart, and a powerful family theme, marking Jenkins’ first foray into faith-based filmmaking and Sorbo’s as well.
“We’re so happy to be here with you once again,” Jenkins shared during our conversation, reflecting on the unexpected resurgence of What If…?. “This is something that we didn’t expect to see. And you probably didn’t expect this to happen for you to just keep on going.”
Jenkins explained that the film emerged during a pivotal time in his career. “What if it’s something that came when I was at a time in my life when I was trying to be cool, meaning I wanted to… I always used to say, I don’t want to be a Christian filmmaker. I want to be a filmmaker who happens to be a Christian.” He admitted to initially shying away from faith-based films due to their reputation, but a profound realization shifted his perspective: “God really kind of broke me at that and was like, you know, stop apologizing for me. Like, I want you to tell good stories for my people.”
Leaning into his faith, Jenkins created What If…? as an “unabashedly” Christian story aimed at pointing viewers toward surrendering to Christ. “It became, I think at the time at least, the best thing that I’d done,” he said. “And it was the movie my kids love and my kids are hard to please. It’s a movie that critics liked more than anything I’ve done before.”
Over the years, as The Chosen exploded in popularity—now translated into more languages than any show in television history—fans have rediscovered What If…?. “When The Chosen started to grow, I would hear from people going, ‘I didn’t know you did What If…? Oh my gosh, I love that movie,'” Jenkins recalled. This led to the decision to partner with Pure Flix and Fathom for the limited theatrical run. “Alright, let’s… release this thing for a couple nights and let people enjoy it on the big screen.”
The film’s message resonates deeply with Jenkins’ own journey. He pondered his personal “what if” moment: “The biggest thing for me… is what if you would have actually stopped caring about numbers and affirmation and legitimacy earlier, because it wasn’t until I was in my early 40s that I finally gave all that up, and that’s when The Chosen happened.” Drawing parallels to Sorbo’s character, who trades worldly success for spiritual fulfillment, Jenkins added, “When he gives up his desire for money and his desire for impact and success… and focuses more on spiritual impact, he finds more happiness.”
Jenkins is grateful for the timing of his breakthroughs. “I’m so grateful that God didn’t give me the kind of success I’m having now 15 years ago, because I would not have been ready for it. I wasn’t as broken and as surrendered as I became… seven, eight years ago.” This surrender, he believes, prepared him for The Chosen‘s impact. “When I got broken, when I really surrendered everything to God, I said, okay, I don’t care if I’m gonna make another movie. I just want to be in your will. I think he was like, now you’re ready for The Chosen.”
The re-release isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s enhanced with theatrical-only bonus content. Audiences will enjoy an exclusive filmed cast reunion and roundtable hosted by Jenkins, featuring Sorbo, Swanson, Ratzenberger, and longtime collaborator Michael Scott, CEO of Pinnacle Peak Pictures. This never-before-seen segment offers a heartfelt look back at the film’s creation and its enduring relevance, inviting viewers to reflect on their own “what if” moments.
“Before The Chosen, this was the project that changed everything for me. What If…? helped me realize the kinds of stories I want to tell,” Jenkins said. “To this day, I hear from people who loved it, so I was thrilled to reconnect with the cast so we could bring back this movie to a new audience.”
Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment, echoed the sentiment: “Dallas Jenkins is a true visionary, and What If…? is where it all began. Fifteen years later—and after all of the profound success Fathom Entertainment accomplished with Dallas and his team on The Chosen—this is a terrific opportunity to revisit What If…? with a special Fathom presentation. Audiences are going to be moved by this film all over again—and the new reunion footage makes it even more meaningful for audiences to see it all on the big screen.”
Michael Scott added, “Fifteen years later, What If…? remains a powerful reminder of how God can redirect our path for something greater. This story has stood the test of time.”
Jenkins keeps grounded through what he calls the “five and two principle,” named after his studio, 5&2 Studios—a nod to the biblical miracle of the five loaves and two fish. “It’s not our job to feed the 5000… It’s our job to provide five loaves, two fish. Give them to God. What he does with that… is not up to you.”
As for what’s next, Jenkins is deep into The Chosen‘s production. “I was filming today… We’re on day 48 of filming, so we got about 40 days more to go.” Season 6 is in editing, Season 7 is being written, and a Joseph miniseries is on the horizon. Despite the challenges—including a recent on-set injury requiring stitches—Jenkins remains focused: “We’re capturing the most important love story ever, the crucifixion… It’s hard, but going well.”
The film’s core takeaway? As Jenkins put it, there’s a difference between fleeting happiness and true joy. “Joy is regardless of circumstance… I know who I am.” For young viewers especially, he hopes they learn this before it’s too late.
What If…? is directed by Dallas Jenkins, with a screenplay by Cary Solomon, Chuck Konzelman, Andrea Gyertson Nasfell, and produced by Michael Scott, Dallas Jenkins, Russell Wolfe, and David A.R. White.
Don’t miss this chance to experience What If…? on the big screen. Watch the trailer below and grab tickets for August 5 and 7 at fathomentertainment.com.
