NASHVILLE — Carly Pearce is making her film debut with a special appearance in My Jesus, the upcoming Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company feature inspired by Anne Wilson’s life and music. The announcement brings a familiar country voice into a story about faith, loss and finding the courage to sing.
A new kind of storytelling for Pearce
Pearce shared her excitement about joining the project in a social-media announcement reported November 10. Her involvement is described as a special appearance. A detailed character description has not been announced in the reporting reviewed by CRE, and a theatrical release date has not been confirmed.
That leaves room for anticipation without assuming that she will play herself, portray a mentor or perform a particular song. What is established is her participation in a film built around another artist’s personal journey. Country Now documented Pearce’s announcement and the casting details.
The Anne Wilson story behind My Jesus
The project draws on Wilson’s book My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope and the story behind her breakthrough music. It follows a teenager whose decision to post a singing video opens doors in Christian and country music, while changing her relationships and expectations. Its emotional background includes the loss of Wilson’s brother, Jacob.
Aliza Kate Barlow portrays Anne, with Gavin Casalegno as Jacob, Monica Potter as their mother, Lynn, and Charles Esten as their father, Kent. Beau Bridges plays their grandfather, Bob. Producers include Joshua Walsh, Brandon Gregory, Andrew Erwin and Daryl LeFever. Matthew West is among the executive producers. Production is underway.
November 15: an Opry filming opportunity
There is an independently verified opportunity for the public to participate. Kingdom Story Company’s official scene announcement invites families and friends to a concert sequence at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Sunday, November 15, from 1–7 p.m.
The production lists Anne Wilson and Matthew West performances, the cast and surprise guests. Its registration form asks whether participants can remain for the full session and requests the names of accompanying guests. Attendees are advised to wear concert attire and bring something to read, snacks and a drink.
Readers should use the production’s own signup page for current availability and instructions. This is a filming session with a substantial time commitment. The announcement does not identify Pearce as a guaranteed participant in that particular scene, so her film casting should not be treated as confirmation that she will appear at the November 15 session.
A career built around the country song
Pearce’s route to this moment began in Kentucky and included leaving home at 16 to perform at Dollywood. Every Little Thing introduced her to a much wider audience; later work such as 29: Written in Stone and hummingbird strengthened her reputation for direct, personal storytelling.
Her career includes CMA Female Vocalist of the Year recognition in 2021 and the Ashley McBryde collaboration “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.” The Opry inducted her on August 3, 2021, following a debut there in 2015. Those milestones give this film announcement a country-music foundation even as she enters a different medium. See her official biography and Opry profile.
For viewers, the interest will be in how a performer known for conveying a song’s emotional stakes brings that experience to the screen. The finished film will provide the answer; the casting announcement offers a first look at the next step.
Also on CRE: Pearce is among the performers whose support figures in our updated Sammy Kershaw CMA timeline.
