I had the honor of speaking with the writers and producers of the hit pro-life movie “Unplanned.” Not only am I passionate about the lives of the unborn, but I write about the issue of abortion (and spiritual warfare) in my series Beauties from Ashes.
So, when I had the opportunity to get some behind the scenes information about the film, I knew you all would enjoy reading it here even though I published it on SoCal Voice.
The pro-life movie “Unplanned” is a box office hit peaking at more than 1,500 theaters nationwide. Approaching $20 million on a meager $6 million budget, the Pure Flix film deals with the transformational story of former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson.
The writers and producers Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon credit the power of prayer to the film’s blockbuster success and the countless remarkable stories that have followed.
“We want to thank the prayer warriors. Had we not had so much prayer, we would not have been able to open this film,” Konzelman said. “The Lord made straight a path of many obstacles.”
The producers recognized immense spiritual warfare since the film’s conception. “This has been a battle from the first moment. We know the first thing the devil did after Jesus was born was the slaughter of the innocent. To hurt God the most, the devil wants to kill the children,” Solomon said.
Two major obstacles the movie overcame was an R-rating by the Motion Picture Association of America and having its ads banned on major television channels.
“The R rating prevented us from using the most effective form of advertising that there is which is running our movie trailer before other movies,” Konzelman said.
In addition, despite their willingness to pay for advertising, the film was blocked on cable television for the exception of Fox News and CBN. Google, Facebook, and Instagram also denied ads for the movie. Google even labeled the film as propaganda.
There were reports from viewers of various theaters across the country of disturbances and disruptions during the showing of the film such as the screen going black during the 90-second abortion scene. Large groups of more than 100 would arrive at theaters and were told the movie had been canceled or sold out. A few reported going inside to see the movie was showing in an empty theater. Other moviegoers reported buying multiple tickets for groups in advance only to arrive at the theater and be directed to the wrong movie showing.
“This was so the film would not be successful. People were purchasing tickets for ‘Unplanned’ in large numbers, but the box office was crediting other movies. When the purchaser reported being sent to the wrong theater, the box office told them not to worry and just go on in the theater to see ‘Unplanned.’” Solomon said. “What we are talking about is demonic interference.”
Although the producers say the movie has been requested by Canadian citizens, the film has been denied showing in Canada.
“Canada has the most unrestricted laws on abortion, worse than China and North Korea. Anyone can do an abortion, anytime anywhere. It’s so bad they don’t even keep records on it anymore. But the people are crying out for us to bring them the movie,” Solomon said. “The suppression of free speech across Canada and the West is unbelievable. You’ve never seen anything like it.”
Despite the enormous hurdles the producers recognize as spiritual warfare, the success of the film has continued to grow proving the power of God and the prayers of His people.
Konzelman and Solomon say that every nation on the face of the earth has reached out, asking them to arrange a movie showing. The reports of pro-choicers turned pro-life is more than they can count, including some who say they went to the movie to challenge it but left with changed hearts.
And Then There Were None, an organization started by Abby Johnson to help abortion clinic workers out of the industry, reports one to two calls a day from those seeking help since the release of “Unplanned.”
The producers expressed how they have been touched by the numerous accounts of God’s love and amazing stories such as a nine-year-old boy from New York who started his own website asking for others to pray for Governor Cuomo to be saved and change his position on abortion.
Konzelman and Solomon shared another extraordinary story of a ninety-year-old blind priest and friend of Abby Johnson who went to the theater to “listen” to the film. Upon leaving the theater, he reported, “I saw the whole movie! God gave me sight for two hours to see it.” The priest remains blind for the exception of viewing the movie.
When asked how people can help further the Unplanned mission, the producers said to continue prayers to secure international cooperation to bring the movie around the world beginning with Canada, Brazil, and Australia.
The “Unplanned” DVD is expected to release in the U.S. at the end of summer.
“By people praying and simply talking about the movie, it is exploding all over the world,” Solomon said. We see tremendous signs of change. I can honestly say, the tide of abortion is turning. I will tell you, we are going to win this battle. Jesus is going to win this battle. He’s going to put an end to abortion not only in America but around the world.”
Well written Beckie –
Del, thanks. It was an honor and privilege to write.
I appreciated your blog. We saw the movie twice. It was even more meaningful to us the second time. This should not even be controversial. It really is a crazy world we live in. Ungodly. God bless you, Beckie.
Godminer,
Thanks for stopping by and for supporting the lives of the unborn. I agree that it should not even be controversial. Such are the times we live in. All the more reason for us to speak the truth in love.
Blessings to you and yours!
Strange things: (1) We had to travel a bit to see the movie. I wasn’t sure if any theaters around us were going to show it. I had thought about sponsoring the movie myself but less than a week after I mentioned this to a few folks, the KoC sponsored it. (Folks I know helped work the premier).
(2) I tweeted and wrote about it. Yes, I tried to help advertise it. I’m proud that I did.
I decided to stop fencing sitting. I’m not the most religious but I’m more sensitive to the NAP/biological area of opposition.
FreeMatt,
I appreciate your candid reply stating you decided to “stop fence sitting.” I think the movie has served to help a lot of us move out of that comfortable position.
Thank you for taking the time to share.
Blessings to you and yours!
Wow, this was eye-opening, Beckie. Loved hearing the first-hand accounts of not only the spiritual warfare encountered, but also the miracles through the power of prayer from God’s people. Amazing! Thanks for sharing it here!
Karen, I know! It was such a thrill to hear about how God is using His people. It was also amazing to realize that what the enemy uses to harm us, the Lord will use for His glory!
Oh, the power of prayer!!! This post took my breath away, Beckie. I’m so glad to know all the obstacles God has removed, and is still removing, so that this film will be the success it was intended to be. May the hearts and minds of more and more folks be opened to the horrors of abortion.
Blessings!
Me too, Martha! Yay God and yay for the power of prayer! I join you in prayer, sweet friend.
Grace, peace, and blessings to you and yours.
Beckie, this reminds me of how the more the Egyptians tried to snuff out the Israelites, the more God made the Israelites to grow. It’s so sad how some people are trying to stop this movie, but God is BIGGER and is showing His power. This line really brings tears to my eyes – “To hurt God the most, the devil wants to kill the children.” This is so true. God cries deeply and compassionately for every little life that is snuffed out. Love and blessings to you!
Trudy,
Oh, thank you for reminding us of the story of the Egyptians tried to snuff out the Israelites. Praise the Lord that HE IS BIGGER!
God bless you and yours, too!
Great article, with a much-needed message Ms. Beckie. We must fight the powers of this world with prayer, on every front. Well said ma’am.
J.D.—Yes! It’s an honor to stand with you in prayer, dear brother.
Blessings on you as you continue to shine for Jesus!
The movie was extraordinary, powerful, and tells more of the untold story of deception and evil inside the abortion industry. It’s big business, so they don’t like people messing with their profits, no matter who it hurts. Thank you Becky, for reaching out to these very courageous individuals who saw the need for the truth to be told, stepped out in obedience, and are changing lives for the glory of God.
Melanie, I agree. The movie is powerful and so is GOD! It was a great honor to speak to the writers/producers and share some of what’s going on behind the scenes.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Blessings to you and yours!
Beckie, this is a tremendous post. Many people will think these things don’t happen (other movies credited, scenes blacked out, etc), but we know they do! Thank you for sharing this news.
Molly, Yes, which is precisely why I wanted to share. Glory to God!
Hugs and thanks💜