Sony Pictures’ Affirm Films has set an October 16 release date for the Brazilian remake of the Kendrick Brothers‘ 2003 debut feature Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul. The movie will open in Brazil and Latin America in September.
The movie emerged out of the Kendrick Brothers’ growing impact in Brazil. Their 2024 film, The Forge, opened in Brazil at No. 1 and ultimately reported a gross of $9 million there. While promoting The Forge release, Alex and Stephen Kendrick connected with leaders across the country who expressed a growing need for locally rooted, faith-driven content. Affirm Films sprung to the idea to invest in the Brazilian faith-based audience and filmmakers.
In collaboration with executive producer Ygor Siqueira and 360WayUp, the team identified Flywheel as the ideal fan-favorite title to be filmed through a culturally authentic lens.
Set in Rio de Janeiro, the new film follows Noah Silva, a smooth-talking used-car salesman whose “do whatever it takes” approach to business and life begins to unravel at home and at work. After a series of wake-up calls, Noah is forced to confront the cost of his choices. He begins a difficult and deeply personal journey to restore his integrity while trying to win back the hearts of his wife and son.
The pic stars Mario Bregieira, Pérola Faria, Gui Tavares, Felipe Folgosi, Adriano Canindé and Elizeu Rodrigues with Alex Kendrick. Written by Alex Kendrick and directed by Alessandro Barros, the remake will be dubbed and subtitled in English over the original Portuguese language for the North American market.
“The Brazilian filmmakers had all the talent and ingredients in the kitchen but wanted us to help them produce something inspirational in Brazil at the quality they saw in The Forge,” said Alex Kendrick.
“What usually takes months of preparation happened in days. It was amazing. We did not know the language, local resources, or culture, but saw God help us do more in less time. We found out that Brazilian pastors had been praying for this for five years. The movie is better shot, acted and scored than the original, and the storyline is just as powerful. I’m truly excited to see how audiences will respond to this new version in theaters this fall,” said Stephen Kendrick.
“It has been an honor to partner with the Kendricks over the past 20 years and witness firsthand the extraordinary worldwide impact of their films. It’s exciting to see the story of Flywheel reimagined in a new and meaningful way, introducing a new generation to what made it so special in the first place,” said Rich Peluso, head of Affirm Films.
The film is produced by Mark Miller, Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, Daniel Friesen and Wiltonauar Moura, with executive producers the Kendrick Brothers, Jim McBride and Siqueira.