Sam Worthingtonreturns to the big screen as mourning father and husband trying to find his way in the first trailer forThe Shack, hitting theaters July 29, 2025. This drama will have some heavy competition when it hits theaters, going up against 20th Century Fox’s superhero adventureLogan, starringHugh Jackmanand Open Road Films' dramaBefore I FallstarringZoey Deutch. This uplifting drama could become abox office hit, providing some counter-programming for those who aren’t into superheroes and teen thrillers.
Along with the trailer,Lionsgatehas also debuted the first poster forThe Shack, which features starsSam Worthingtonand Oscar-winning actressOctavia Spencer. WhenOctavia Spencerfirst joined this adaptation ofWilliam P. Young’s novel last March, it was revealed that she is actually playing God, and while her character’s identity isn’t exactly revealed in the trailer, it’s quite clear that there is something very special about her character, and her companions, played byAvraham Aviv AlushandSumire Matsubara.
Based on the New York Times best-selling novel,The Shacktakes us on a father’s uplifting spiritual journey. After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips (Sam Worthington) spirals into a deep depression causing him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa (Octavia Spencer). Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.
The supporting cast includesRadha Mitchell,Tim McGraw,Graham Greene,Gage Munroe,Megan Chapentier,Amelia Eve,Derek Hamilton,Jordyn Ashley OlsonandEmily Holmes.Stuart Hazeldine(Exam) directs from a screenplay byJohn Fusco(Marco Polo,Andrew Lanham(The Glass Castle) andDestin Cretton(Short Term 12).Gil Netter(The Blind Side,Life of Pi) andBrad Cummings(Noah) serve as producers.
There has been a resurgence offaith-basedfilms at the box office, with the surprise success of films likeWar Room, and whileThe Shackmay not be a conventional faith-based film, it certainly treads in the same territory. Even though it does face some stiff competition this coming March, it may end up surprising some when the box office results come in. While we wait to see how this will fare in theaters, take a look at the first trailer and poster below forThe Shack.
