Michael W. Smith joins Daniel and the Fiery Furnace as executive producer

Michael W. Smith has joined EKKL Entertainment’s biblical drama Daniel and the Fiery Furnace as executive producer ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on Sept. 18, 2026. The move adds a major Christian music figure to the project and comes after Smith said he was moved by the film’s message and inspired by his son Tyler Michael Smith’s score.

Why it matters: - Michael W. Smith adds a high-profile faith-music name to Daniel and the Fiery Furnace ahead of its theatrical rollout. - The film is positioned as a large-scale biblical drama aimed at faith and family audiences. - The project also gains added attention through Tyler Michael Smith’s original score and the family connection behind the production.

What happened: - EKKL Entertainment announced on July 29, 2026, that Michael W. Smith has joined Daniel and the Fiery Furnace as executive producer. - The film opens exclusively in theaters nationwide on Sept. 18, 2026. - Michael W. Smith said he joined after being deeply moved by the film’s message of faith, courage and conviction. - Smith also said his decision was inspired by his son Tyler Michael Smith’s score.

The details: - Daniel and the Fiery Furnace is written and directed by Matthew and Daniel Kooman, the award-winning filmmakers behind She Has a Name. - The film stars Mena Massoud and Elijah Alexander. - Producing credits include the Kooman Brothers, Travis Mann, Mena Massoud and now Michael W. Smith. - The story follows Daniel in exile in Babylon as a king demands absolute worship under penalty of death. - Three faithful men — Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — refuse to bow and choose the furnace rather than betray God. - The film is described as an epic live-action biblical drama that tells the origin story of the prophet Daniel. - Smith said the Kooman Brothers’ vision had not been done on this scale and that he hopes the film encourages audiences to stand firm in their faith. - The Kooman Brothers said they were honored to partner with Smith and called him a living legend whose music has shaped generations of believers.

Between the lines: - Smith’s involvement gives the film an additional endorsement from one of Christian music’s most recognizable figures. - The project is being packaged around both its spiritual message and its production scale, which suggests EKKL is aiming for a broad faith-based theatrical event. - The father-son connection between Michael W. Smith and Tyler Michael Smith adds a personal story that may help market the film beyond standard casting news.

What's next: - Daniel and the Fiery Furnace will continue its lead-up to the Sept. 18, 2026 theatrical debut. - EKKL Entertainment will likely keep promoting the film alongside its broader faith-and-family release slate. - Audience interest may build around the film’s cast, biblical story and Michael W. Smith’s involvement.

The bottom line: - Michael W. Smith’s addition turns Daniel and the Fiery Furnace into a higher-profile faith release just weeks before it reaches theaters.