Daryl C. Lefever

Daryl C. Lefever’s got a filmography that’s honestly all over the map, but in the best possible way. So, you’ve got “I Can Only Imagine”—that one? Yeah, the surprise faith-based hit, all about Bart Millard’s journey from a rough childhood to writing the song that kinda took over radio for a minute. It’s got some heavy family vibes, a good chunk of heartbreak, and honestly, a pretty hopeful payoff at the end. Then there’s “American Underdog,” which is just classic underdog sports drama material. It’s Kurt Warner’s story, the dude who went from stocking shelves at a grocery store to winning a Super Bowl. Talk about a long shot, right? They really lean into the “never give up” angle, but it’s got enough grit and real-life struggle to keep it from feeling too cheesy. And, oh, “The Polar Express”—now that’s a total curveball in there. Digital Tom Hanks, wild motion-capture animation, a train to the North Pole, and a bunch of kids learning about belief and magic and all that. It’s kinda become a holiday staple, even if the animation weirds some people out. So, if you look at Lefever’s stuff, there’s a clear through-line: he’s all about stories where people push through, find hope, or just straight-up believe in something bigger than themselves. Doesn’t matter if it’s music, football, or Christmas magic—he’s there for that emotional punch.