‘God’s Not Dead’ Sequel: Filming Across Three South Carolina Counties Completed
For the millions of fans of the popular “God’s Not Dead” series, there is more good news than just a new sequel on the horizon. The filming of the eagerly anticipated “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust,” is not just complete but it has also brought a piece of Hollywood to South Carolina. Locations across Rock Hill, Chester and Sumter were transformed to provide the perfect backdrop to the next chapter in the revolving ‘God’s Not Dead’ storyline, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to these local communities.
A Slice of Hollywood in the Heart of South Carolina
Summer and fall of 2023 saw Rock Hill turned into rural Hope Springs, Arkansas, while parts of Winthrop University morphed into a replica of the nation’s capital for the shooting of the fifth chapter of the evangelical-themed series. The much-anticipated release is scheduled to hit theaters by September 12, 2024. Series fans around the country will be able to witness the newest life chapter of the series protagonist, the Reverend David Hill, as he takes a shot at running for Congress.
The movie production house, Pinnacle Peak Pictures, described the plotline as inspired by the iconic “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. Local theaters, such as the Regal Manchester in Rock Hill and the Beacon Sumter Cinemas in Sumter, are eager to screen the film for local audiences.
A Community Collaboration and a Faithful Continuation
Besides moviegoers having familiar faces to look forward to in the film, those hailing from Rock Hill and Sumter will also recognize well-renowned locations from their respective areas. Notable sights include the street scenes captured in downtown Rock Hill, the Sumter Opera House, and the front facade of the Chester County Courthouse, as well as spots around downtown Chester.
Moreover, Winthrop University fans can rejoice as its amphitheater and the breezeway of the McBryde and Tillman buildings will also make an appearance in the film. Rock Hill’s Epic Chophouse in Fort Mill and the Trinity United Methodist Church in York were also mentioned as filming locations, adding familiar settings onto the big screen for the local audience.
Making Film Magic in South Carolina
The filming experience was not just a transformative experience for the participating locations but also for the film’s director and crew. With locations reminiscent of the fictional Hope Springs as well as the majestic Washington Congress halls, Rock Hill and parts of Fort Mill, York, and Chester offered fitting landscapes for the filming process.
Speaking about their decision to film in South Carolina, the film’s director, Vance Null acknowledged the community spirit and helpfulness experienced in the towns, which served to cement Rock Hill and its neighboring cities as an ideal filming location for the “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust”. The QR code at the end of the movie offers viewers a glimpse into more scenes and locales that did not make it into the final cut of the movie.
Stand Alone Yet Strongly Connected
For those unsure whether they need to view the previous four “God’s Not Dead” movies to understand the upcoming one, Null clarifies that the new release is a standalone film. It is undoubtedly part of the beloved series but molded in a way that it can be enjoyed solely for its own narrative. Its aim lies not just in continuing the series but also in shining a light on how to live a Christian life in today’s modern world.
