Jim Caviezel: This Is What’s Missing in Hollywood Today

Overview

Jim Caviezel joins host Jan Jekielek to discuss Ghost Soldier, his approach to choosing roles, and what he believes is missing from Hollywood: a spiritual dimension that connects a story’s physical action and ideas to the heart.

Ghost Soldier

Caviezel plays Fitz, a former Green Beret who would rather keep to himself. When a powerful corporation threatens a boy, his family, and their community, Fitz must decide whether to stand by or become their protector.

Caviezel describes the story as “good versus evil” and likens his character to the Good Samaritan. A trailer scene about St. Michael, the patron saint of soldiers, leads into a discussion of the faith and symbols he encountered among military operators.

Choosing Roles and Preparing for Them

Caviezel says he looks for stories about purpose, sacrifice, and moral courage. He draws inspiration from films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and To Kill a Mockingbird.

He also discusses preparing for military roles and learning from special-operations veterans. His faith is central to his work: he argues that spiritual discipline matters alongside mental and physical preparation, and says he wants his performances to “bring humanity back to God.”

Hollywood, Freedom, and Moral Themes

The conversation broadens to Caviezel’s concerns about Hollywood, freedom, and what he sees as corruption and unequal treatment under the law. He frames Ghost Soldier as a story about defending ordinary people and standing up to powerful forces.

When Jekielek asks whether a line in the film echoes Man on Fire, Caviezel says it may be “osmosis.” He then recalls how much Tony Scott’s belief in him meant personally.

Lighter Moments and Closing Message

Jekielek calls the movie a “One Man Army” film, and Caviezel readily agrees. Caviezel also jokes that it’s hard to rescue someone while offering only a COVID-era fist bump, making the point that helping people requires reaching out.

He closes by urging audiences to support films with traditional moral themes, saying that what gets made depends on what viewers choose to see.

Personalities Featured

• Jim Caviezel — Actor and guest
• Jan Jekielek — Host and interviewer