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Iconic Christian filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have just finished shooting their latest feature film, The Forge — a story about discipleship and biblical manhood, which will be released in August 2024.

According to the brothers, the latest film, which they have been working on for over a year now, is set in the same “universe” as War Room (2015) and includes several of the same characters — including audience favourite Miss Clara (Karen Abercrombie) as well as Elizabeth and Tony Jordan (played by Priscilla C. Shirer and T.C. Stallings).

A “first look” teaser trailer was released on social media early Thursday morning.

The film follows the story of Isaiah Wright, a directionless young man who has just finished high school, as he tries to discover God’s purpose for him — aided by his mother and his new mentor.

In their release video, Alex and Stephen explained the title of the new film — The Forge. Alex explained that forges are tools that “shape instruments; they shape weapons—whether it’s a knife, a sword, whatever — and it’s all done by heat and pressure.”

Life can sometimes feel like we are in a forge. “But what happens through that process,” explains Alex, “if you honour the Lord and He walks with you, He makes you stronger and more fruitful in your life.”

The theme of the film is discipleship — being, in Stephen’s words, “all in for Christ”:

“God is all in. Jesus was all in. He wants us to be all in as well. And really, in our culture, so many people say they believe in God, but their walk with God is very lukewarm and half-hearted. Discipleship means it’s time to get on fire and all in and this movie will push you, will encourage you, inspire you, to be all in for Christ.”

There is a difference between being a saved Christian and a disciple of Christ. While Salvation is a gift from God, discipleship requires self-denial and taking up one’s cross.

“This is a different level of following Jesus,” says Alex, “not just belief that He is the Son of God and that He died for us, which is crucial — but also following Him with your life. You can’t be Jesus’ disciple in a lukewarm status.”

The film stars Cameron Arnett, T.C. Stallings, Benjamin Watson, Karen Abercrombie, Aspen Kennedy and Priscilla C. Shirer.

The Forge is being distributed by Sony’s faith-based Affirm Films — which is also distributing the live-action Christmas musical Journey to Bethlehem, featuring Oscar nominee Antonio Banderas, Christian rapper Lecrae and for King & Country’s Joel Smallbone (set to show in Australian theatres from 30 November).

It is expected to be released in U.S. cinemas in August 2024.