ABC brings back the Sunday Night Movie with Cuba Gooding Jr's 'Firelight'

The ABC Sunday Night Movie is back at least for a day on ABC. The network, in conjunction with Hallmark Hall of Fame, will premiere the drama “Firelight” on Sunday evening, April 22 at 9pm ET/PT. Inspired by a true story, the movie stars Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. as real life inspirational figure Dwayne Johnson (D.J.).

Directed by Darnell Martin and written by Ligiah Villalobos, the movie tells the story of Johnson, a counselor at a women’s correctional center, who encourages the young troubled women to help themselves by helping others. That outlet comes in the form of an elite team of of women who fight forest fires, while fighting each other and their person demons.

The women have work to redeem themselves in the process with D.J.’s help. Joining Cuba is a talented cast of including DeWanda Wise, Q’orianka Kilcher, Rebecca Rivera, Yakini Horn, Sianoa Smit-McPhee, Emily Tremaine, Diany Rodriguez and Maria Howell.

“D.J., really, is a beacon of hope to and for these young women,” Cuba said of his character and his real life alter ego. “Sometimes all it takes is one person to light the way, and in our story D.J. is that person. Thanks to his presence and guidance, these young women come to realize they do have inner strength, they do have a future.”

With its Sunday airing, the movie takes ABC back to a simpler time when Sunday night programming was watched and discussed with the whole family. The movie’s message is one of hope, courage and personal triumph.

“Firelight” airs Sunday, April 22nd on ABC.

Click here to read watch interviews with the cast at the red carpet premiere of the movie.

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(photo: Cuba Gooding Jr. and Q’orianka Kilcher – HHOF/Erik Heinila)