Eight years ago, he was out of town speaking at an event, when film producer Linda Huntington approached him. She asked about the idea of creating a movie out of his story. Although reluctant at first, he gave her a shot.

The school alumnus John O’Leary’s ‘95 highly anticipated movie Soul on Fire is set to release in theaters on Oct. 10. The film is based on his bestselling memoir, On Fire, that tells the miraculous true story of his inspiring journey. O’Leary executive-produced it, and the premiere will take place here in St. Louis on Oct. 2. 

“I never thought of turning my story into a movie,” Mr. O’Leary said. “So I said no at first.”

Then Huntington asked if she could at least try and O’Leary gave her a shot. A script was written and given to Hollywood director Sean McNamara. He was moved by it and asked to direct it.

Over the next eight years, they raised money and officially began filming in Nov. 2023. Filming concluded in Dec., and the film was then edited over the next two years. 

Filming took place here in St. Louis, most notably in Mercy Hospital, The Shrine of St. Joseph, Busch Stadium, Union Station, Saint Louis University, and The Gateway Arch. Along with many of the exact locations where pivotal events in Mr. O’Leary’s life occurred, as his childhood home in Town and Country was used for many scenes in the movie.

The film is written by Gregory Poirier, directed by McNamara, and will star Joel Courtney, William H. Macy, and John Corbett. Mr. O’Leary, along with his wife, daughter, and three sons – Jack ‘24, Patrick ‘26, and Henry ‘28 – will get some screen time as well. 

“It’s cool to see a movie feature Saint Louis,” Patrick said. “And so many sites that you’re used to seeing, like Busch Stadium and the Arch.”

Courtney will star as John O’Leary, and Macy will play the crucial role of former St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck.  

During the filming process, Mr. O’Leary worked on set with over 200 people, making sure the entire team was motivated to shoot appropriately.

“My goal when people leave this film is not that they think John O’Leary is the hero, but they recognize their ability to be a hero in someone else’s life,” Mr. O’Leary said. “Whether you’re in high school or far later on in life, you can make a difference in the lives of those you encounter.”