'Heaven Is For Real' is adapted into a film starring Greg Kinnear

'Heaven Is For Real' was written by pastor Todd Burpo whose son told him he traveled to heaven during an operation.

By Molly Driscoll, Staff Writer / July 24, 2013

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Share onThe bestselling book “Heaven Is For Real” is on its way to becoming a film.

A movie adaptation of 2010 book 'Heaven Is For Real' will star Greg Kinnear as father Todd Burpo.

Evan  AP Agonistini/Invision/

The book, written by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent, tells the story of Burpo’s son, Colton, who underwent an appendectomy at the age of four and later told his parents that during the operation – while unconscious – he traveled to heaven, talked with Jesus, and returned with knowledge of a sister they had never told him that he had.

“Heaven Is For Real” was originally released in 2010 and is still at number 12 on the New York Times paperback nonfiction list.

Now “Little Miss Sunshine” actor Greg Kinnear is set to star as Todd Burpo in the film adaptation of the book, which is being released by TriStar Pictures. The movie is being directed by Randall Wallace, who also directed the 2010 film “Secretariat” and the 2002 movie “We Were Soldiers.”

“Sherlock Holmes” actress Kelly Reilly is portraying Burpo's wife and first-time actor Connor Corum will play Colton, while “Sideways” actor Thomas Haden Church will play family friend Jay Olson. The movie is currently in production in Canada.

In 2011, the Burpo family took part in video interviews which played at Lifetree Cafes, areas dedicated to conversation which are located around the country. In the video, Todd Burpo addressed those who doubt his son’s story and his reasons for publishing it. 

“As a pastor and as a dad, I want my son to know I tell the truth,” Burpo said. “He can read the book. He knows if I exaggerated or if I didn't. My son is forever going to believe that I'm an honest person or I'm a liar by what I wrote in that book, because he can read.”