Show-Me State Times

“Soul on Fire,” a film based on the life of Saint Louis University alumnus John O’Leary, is set to open in theaters nationwide on Friday, October 10. The movie had its world premiere at Powell Hall in St. Louis on October 2.

The film, directed by Sean McNamara, tells the story of John O’Leary, who survived severe burns as a child and later attended Saint Louis University (SLU), where he met his wife, Beth. After college, O’Leary started a real estate business while Beth worked as an occupational therapist.

O’Leary’s experience with burn injuries began at age nine after an accident involving gasoline and matches in his family garage. He suffered third-degree burns over most of his body and spent five months recovering in the hospital. His journey included support from his family, community, and broadcaster Jack Buck—portrayed by William H. Macy.

O’Leary reflected on his time at SLU: “I came to Saint Louis University as a local kid who’d never left home and I graduated four years later a changed man. There is something about Ignatian education and reflecting on who you are and what truly matters in life. So I came out not fully baked but the foundation was formed.”

After his parents published “Overwhelming Odds” in 2005 about the incident and its aftermath, O’Leary began sharing his story publicly. He published his own book, “On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life,” in 2016.

Filming for "Soul on Fire" took place at various locations across SLU’s campus during November and December 2023. Outdoor scenes were shot near the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business and Lipic Clock Tower Plaza; indoor scenes included Chaifetz Arena and other university buildings.

Actor Joel Courtney plays John O’Leary in the film, with Masey McLain as Beth; John Corbett portrays O'Leary's father Denny; Stephanie Szostak plays Susan O'Leary; James McCracken appears as young John O'Leary.

Discussing the decision to shoot at SLU instead of Vancouver, O’Leary said: “I wanted to show him my college. So we parked the car and we walked past Griesedieck and he starts looking around and he says, 'what is this place?’ I walked him to College Church, David-Shaughnessy and all these places that I had walked by for four years and taken for granted. He was blown away by how incredible Saint Louis University is, how incredible St. Louis is, and so it was actually Sean who said the film needs be shot here. That this University is a central part of what we have to tell the world about. So it was SLU who sold us on the power of Saint Louis University.”

John Corbett noted that he originally thought he would be making a baseball movie but accepted after learning more about the story behind it.

Stephanie Szostak described her connection with O’Leary’s story: “He said he would call me and I was like, yeah right you will… sure enough, three years later he texted me and asked if I knew a cute French brunette who would want to play his mom. Obviously it was a big yes and a big honor to play his mother.”

William H. Macy addressed attendees following the screening: “I’ve been to a lot of openings in my lifetime, but I had to come to St. Louis for one like this.”

Courtney emphasized the message of everyday heroes: “If there is anything about this film to take away it’s that there are heroes in your life, in everyone’s life, that have surrounded you and impacted you and have come alongside you and helped make you the man or woman that you are today."

O’Leary added: “So often at universities we’re taught about excellence and we’re taught about performance and we’re taught about success… Saint Louis University also teaches about faithfulness. So much of this film is a celebration of ordinary heroes and I hope that comes through."

Further information can be found through Universitas.