Finding New Life as Faith-Based Stars

Throughout his acting career, Stephen Baldwin has been known by many names: The Other Baldwin, The Other, Other Baldwin, and even The Republican Baldwin. These days, however, he wants to be known as something else entirely—The Christian Baldwin. Though he hasn't had a hit since The Usual Suspects in 1995, Baldwin is preparing to direct his first feature film—a faith-based story about a 19th century preacher who helps convert steamboat-casinos into "missionary ships." With a budget of $25 million, the movie, Baldwin explains in studioese, is basically O Brother, Where Art Thou? meets The Passion of the Christ. It's also a launching pad for his new career. "You're catching me on the precipice of a transition from mainstream, or secular stuff, to almost full-time faith-based stuff," says Baldwin. "And there is a tidal wave of faith-based content coming in the next ten years."