God's Not Dead Is America's Fifth Most Popular Movie This Week

At just 780 locations, God's Not Dead earned an incredible $8.56 million. That ranks seventh all-time among faith-based movies, and ranks first among those opening in fewer than 1,000 theaters. It's a bit below Courageous ($9.1 million), but above Fireproof ($6.8 million).

The PG-rated film about a college student who is challenged by his professor to prove God's existence was driven by solid advance ticket sales and by church-based outreach. Kevin Sorbo and Dean Cain starred and Duck Dynasty's popular Willie and Korie Robertson made a cameo which was used in the marketing push.

God's Not Dead had a grassroots marketing effort targeted specifically at Christians, who often feel neglected by Hollywood. In addition to the Duck Dynasty stars, popular Christian band Newsboys (who have an album titled "God's Not Dead") were also featured in the film. At least as important was its intriguing story, which centered around a devout Christian college student's philosophical battle with his atheist professor (Kevin Sorbo).

Distributor Freestyle Releasing is looking to expand the movie next weekend. With good word-of-mouth, this could ultimately earn over $30 million total.

Trailer Released for Controversial "God's Not Dead"

New trailer for God's Not Dead film starring Kevin Sorbo, Dean Cain and the Newsboys.

Kevin Sorbo To Star in God's Not Dead

Kevin Sorbo is starring in a new film "God's Not Dead" which also features the Newsboys, presumably performing their hit song of the same name.

In the interview below, Kevin speaks to what he's begun starring in Christian films and the need for more family friendly entertainment.