Fifteen years ago—before there was The Chosen—there was Dallas Jenkins’ first faith-based film, WHAT IF. This August 5 and 7, the film returns to theaters for a special Fathom event, featuring an exclusive cast reunion with Jenkins. Inspired by “It’s a Wonderful Life,” WHAT IF is a modern-day story of second chances, faith, and the life you were meant to live. It stars Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) and Kristy Swanson (the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

 Kristy Swanson started acting at the very young age of 9-years old and has had a long and productive career in film, series, and commercial work. She is married to 2-time Olympic Medalist and World Champion Figure Skater Lloyd Eisler and they have a son Magnus Eisler who is 18-years old. 

BuddyHollywood’s Paula K. Parker recently had the opportunity to chat with Kristy about her memories of filming WHAT IF, the film’s message, and her hopes for the film’s re-release.

 Paula K. Parker: I did not see this film when it originally released, so this was the first time for me. It was beautiful and sweet and tender. What drew you to this role initially?

KRISTY SWANSON: Well, I first spoke to Dallas Jenkins on phone. I liked Dallas; I had heard great things about him. He was so kind and amazing, and I jived with him. I read the script. (pause) I’m getting choked up just thinking about it, it’s uh. I fell in love with the script.

 Did I feel I could play the role of Wendy? The entire story on a whole—all the characters, everything—just melded together. I just loved this story and thought, “I definitely got to do this movie.

 PKP: You were perfect in that role, you were very believable. The young actresses they found for your daughters looked like they could be yours.

 KRISTY SWANSON: Yes, they did a good job and a great job matching us up. Definitely. They were lovely girls and actresses, and they did an amazing job. I loved going to work with them every day. They made it fun.

 PKP: This was your first faith-based film. Has being in this film influenced any of your decisions about other projects?

 KRISTY SWANSON: I was raised in faith; I grew up in a very conservative Christian home. I started acting at the age of the nine.

 PKP: Wow.

 KRISTY SWANSON: Yeah, it just it was always in me. I enjoyed being able to do you know, action movies, sci-fi, horror, all kinds of different genres. To be able to be a part of such a special movie like this was a great joy for me, and if I could do it again, I would.

 PKP: What was it like to work with Dallas Jenkins before The Chosen? Did you see any difference in him from that time and this last table read for this film?

 KRISTY SWANSON: No, Dallas is the same as when I first met him. Nothing’s changed, he’s amazing. He was incredible when I met him, and he was an absolute joy to work with. I just love going to the set every day and working with this guy. He was so smart, so professional, so loving, kind, giving, and understanding. He loved to collaborate and bounce off ideas with other people.

 PKP: Do you have any great memories looking back?

 KRISTY SWANSON: I would say my favorite memories were probably offset. Kevin Sorbo had his kids hair on location, and I had my son there for a period of time. On the weekends or the days we weren’t working, it was nice to spend time together with the kids. We took the kids on a trip in the hills where there was a little rollercoaster that was really fun.

 PKP: What was the cast reunion and table read like?

 KRISTY SWANSON: That was fun getting together again. I was excited about it, excited about getting to hang with the (people) again. It’s like there is a special bond with that movie. Everybody was so great in the film. Dallas did a great job, and it just it all came together.

 PKP: What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing this film again?

 KRISTY SWANSON: I hope we have people who come back to see it, and I hope we have some people come and see it for the first time.

 For me, movies are an escape. I just want people to sit back and enjoy it and find the humor and find the love and just be touched by the story. It’s so strong and powerful, and—if you don’t even realize it—there’s a lot of comedy in the movie that I think balances out so perfectly.

 As an actor, it makes me feel good to know people saw something that I did and it brought them joy. I hope audiences walk away feeling amazing.

Tickets for What If…15th Anniversary are available now at Fathom Entertainment and participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change).

Learn more about WHAT IF:
Fathom Entertainment website
WHAT IF Movie Facebook page
WHAT IF Movie TicTok page