When it came time to shoot scenes set in John O’Leary’s boyhood home, the makers of “Soul on Fire” had one obvious location in mind: the real home where the story happened.
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Photos: 'Soul On Fire' premieres at Powell Symphony Hall
The cast of 'Soul On Fire' pose for a photo with John O'Leary, center, on the red carpet at the premiere for the film at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The ӣƵ-based movie is adapted from O'Leary's book 'On Fire' and chronicles his life, from the day he burned his childhood house down, to becoming a motivational public speaker.
John O’Leary holds hands with his wife, Beth, as they watch the wedding scene in the movie “Soul On Fire” at its premiere at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The film is based on O’Leary’s life after being severely burned as a child, and how he overcame the physical and mental challenges that life presented him since then.
Actress Stephanie Szostak, who portrays Susan O'Leary, arrives at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Szostak has played in other films like 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'We Bought a Zoo'
Former ӣƵ Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith, center, poses for a photo at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The movie is based on John O'Leary's life and childhood accident where he burned his house down. As a lifelong Cardinals fan, O'Leary grew up watching Smith and the team in the 80's, where they made a World Series appearance in 1987, the same year O'Leary burned his house.
Kristen Slaughter, of Ballwin, Mo., smiles with excitement as she sees actor DeVon Franklin on the red carpet at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
Actor DeVon Franklin waves to attendees on the red carpet at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The movie is based on the life of John O'Leary and Franklin portrays Nurse Roy Whitehorn, who helped O'Leary with physical therapy and encouraged him to walk again.
Actor Joel Courtney, who portrays John O’Leary, talks to the press at the premiere for “Soul On Fire” at Powell Symphony Hall on Oct. 2, 2025.
Attendees dressed in formal attire cross the street as they make their way to the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The film is based on ӣƵan John O'Leary's book, 'On Fire', and was filmed on-location in the city.
ӣƵ fire private Alex Koenig steps back as the United States flag is raised in support of the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The movie is based on ӣƵan John O'Leary's book, 'On Fire', and portrays the day he burned his house down as a child, and the post-accident challenges he overcame.
Kristen Slaughter, of Ballwin, Mo., shows off a photo of actor DeVon Franklin to her friends at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
Actor William H. Macy, right, takes a photo with Juliann Kleppe, of Farmington, at the world premiere of “Soul On Fire” at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The movie is based on the life of John O’Leary, and Macy portrays sports broadcaster Jack Buck, who had a close friendship with O’Leary. For more, please see our story on Page A2.
Actor John Corbett, who portrays John O'Leary's father, arrives at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
ӣƵ fire Capt. Joseph Neidel, left, calls out to raise a United States flag at the premiere for ‘Soul On Fire’ at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The movie is based on ӣƵan John O’Leary’s book, ‘On Fire’, and portrays the day he burned his house down as a child, and the post-accident challenges he overcame.
Attendees wait in line to get in the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The movie was filmed on-location in the city including ӣƵ University, Saratoga Lanes and Mercy Hospital ӣƵ.
Attendees look out at the red carpet from the staircase inside Powell Symphony Hall at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The Hall reopened in September 2025 after a nearly two year renovation that improved accessibility and sound design, costing $140 million.
John O'Leary speaks before the film screening at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Oct. 2, 2025. O'Leary spoke about filming the movie in ӣƵ and the importance of the movie being shot on-location. He also discussed the movie's message and what it means to him. "You have one life, make it matter," he said.
John O'Leary's mother, Susan O'Leary, center, takes a photo of her granddaughters, Scarlett Uhl, 9, right, and Charlotte Geraci, 9, left, at the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' at Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
The Red and Black Brass Band performs after the premiere for 'Soul On Fire' as guests leave Powell Symphony Hall in ӣƵ, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
