Kevin Sorbo joins faith-based drama Elijah Peel ahead of Aug. 14 theatrical release

Kevin Sorbo plays a talent manager in Elijah Peel, a faith-based drama opening exclusively in theaters Aug. 14. The film, inspired by a true story and led by nine-year-old breakout Evelyn Grace Kite, centers on addiction, recovery and redemption after a rock star’s near-fatal heart attack.

Why it matters: - Elijah Peel adds another faith-based title to a theatrical slate aimed at family audiences looking for recovery- and redemption-driven stories. - The film also highlights a breakout turn from nine-year-old Evelyn Grace Kite, whose festival recognition gives the release added attention.

What happened: - Kevin Sorbo stars in Elijah Peel as the title character’s longtime talent manager. - The film opens exclusively in theaters on Aug. 14, 2026. - Elijah Peel is inspired by a true story and centers on a stadium-filling rock star whose addiction and personal collapse threaten his career. - The story follows a near-fatal heart attack and an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill 9-year-old girl named Jessica, played by Evelyn Grace Kite. - The film’s special advance screening is set for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, at AMC Thoroughbred 20 in Franklin, Tennessee. - The screening will include red carpet arrivals at 6 p.m. and the film at 7 p.m. - Media, invited guests and select members of the public are invited to the Franklin screening.

The details: - Kevin D. Sepe wrote, directed and produced Elijah Peel. - Sepe said the film is inspired by his own experiences with addiction, repeated brushes with death, sobriety and faith. - The film focuses on second chances, recovery, reconciliation and faith. - Terry Harris of the producing team said Kite’s performance brings “a beating heart” to the movie. - Kite recently became the youngest-ever recipient of the International Christian Film & Music Festival’s Best Lead Actress award. - Elijah Peel also won Best Picture and Best Director honors at the 2026 International Christian Film Festival. - The production is offering group ticket sales information at the film’s website. - The official trailer is available at YouTube. - Press screener access is available upon request.

Between the lines: - Sorbo’s casting signals an attempt to blend a recognizable screen veteran with a story built around faith, recovery and emotional uplift. - The project’s marketing leans on both festival awards and real-life inspiration to appeal to audiences that favor values-driven theatrical releases. - The film’s framing suggests a broader push to position faith-based movies as mainstream event screenings rather than niche releases.

What’s next: - Sorbo is available for virtual interviews on Friday, Aug. 14. - Executive producer Willie Robertson is available for virtual interviews on Thursday, Aug. 13. - The film’s press day is scheduled for Aug. 4-5 in Nashville, Tennessee, with in-person and virtual interview opportunities. - EKKL Entertainment’s slate also includes Daniel and the Fiery Furnace on Sept. 18, 2026, and She Dances at a later date.

The bottom line: - Elijah Peel is being launched as an awards-backed faith-based drama with a clear message: recovery stories still have theatrical draw.