Director Jon Erwin (“Jesus Revolution”) and former YouTube executive Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten have launched a new production company called The Wonder Project, aimed at elevating the quality of faith-based and inspirational film and TV content. The studio has raised over $75 million in seed and Series A funding from backers including Lionsgate, Jason Blum, United Talent Agency, and Sovereign’s Capital.
The Wonder Project, based in Los Angeles and Austin, sees a major opportunity to establish a premium brand for uplifting, values-driven programming rooted in Christian traditions. The studio intends to sell shows and films to mainstream outlets while also developing its own distribution channels.
Erwin, serving as Chief Creative Officer, scored a sleeper hit this year with “Jesus Revolution” which brought in $52 million at the box office. The new funding will allow them to increase the production values and scope of faith-based projects. CEO Merryman Hoogstraten sees strong demand for inspiring, multi-generational programming.
The Wonder Project currently has about a dozen writers developing scripts. They want to work with creators who can help expand the definition of faith-based content beyond overtly religious stories. Erwin says the audience wants high quality stories infused with values, not just homilies and Bible verses.
With streaming platforms hungry for content, investors believe The Wonder Project can serve the large, underserved global niche of faith-based viewers. The team’s connections to that audience is seen as a major asset in developing broadly appealing, family-friendly programming.
