RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Internationally renowned evangelist, Bible teacher, pastor, radio host and the creator of more than 70 books and films, Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Ministries hit the red carpet Thursday night in Newport Beach, CA for the world premiere of his newest film, Steve McQueen: American Icon. Surrounded by friends, castmates, and stuntmen who knew and worked alongside the Hollywood Icon, Laurie, along with director Jon Erwin, celebrated the largely untold story of Steve McQueen’s journey to finding faith.
“It’s a testament to the power of the Gospel that the story of how the ‘King of Cool’ gave his life to Christ, has performed so well all across the nation,” said Laurie. “While we wait for the final numbers to come it, it’s clear that this film, and the real life story behind it, is resonating with people in a very profound way. I’m just very pleased that it’s finally being told to a wider audience,” said Laurie.
Organized by Fathom Events, the film’s world premiere was hosted from coast-to-coast on 787 screens with tens-of-thousands of people in attendance. Early indications suggest Steve McQueen: American Icon was among the top grossing films of the evening, even outperforming many of Hollywood largest productions.
During his career, McQueen was the number one movie star in the world. His legendary on screen exploits and death-defying stunts still inspire an army of modern-day fans who often emulate his fashion and love for cars, motorcycles and racing. “Now his fans have something else, something even cooler, to model off of Steve’s life – his faith in Jesus Christ,” added Laurie.
The film, which documents McQueen’s humble beginnings as well as his meteoric rise to worldwide stardom, also explores his ultimate search for peace and meaning which led to his Christian conversion.
One audience member from Ohio brought a friend to the film premiere who, after watching McQueen’s own faith journey, “accepted Jesus into his heart.” “Thank you for making the movie. It was very moving and I was encouraged to commit myself more to the Lord after seeing the testimonies,” the audience member went on to say.
“Towards the very end of his life, McQueen said that his greatest regret was not being able to tell the world about what Christ had done for him,” said Laurie. “There’s a sense that through the success of this project, we’ve helped bring full circle what God started 40 years ago. I’m thrilled to have played a role in that.”
Because of the film’s premiere night success, Fathom Events has already announced two encore presentations on Oct. 10 and Oct 19. Tickets can be purchased here.
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An approved photograph is available for download here.
Caption: “Pastor Greg Laurie and Director Jon Erwin at the red carpet premiere of Steve Mcqueen: American Icon in Newport Beach, CA”
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Pastor Greg Laurie serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, one of the largest churches in America; is the author of more than 70 books; is the creator of 3 feature films; hosts the nationally syndicated radio broadcast, A New Beginning; and is the founder of Harvest Crusades, a large-scale evangelistic ministry attended by more than 7.6 million people worldwide, both in-person in stadiums & arenas across the U.S., Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and via live satellite broadcasts.
Website | www.Harvest.org Twitter | @greglaurie
