New Fox Nation documentary chronicles 20-year journey behind ‘Reagan’ film

The new documentary "Making Reagan" will take audiences behind the scenes of the 2024 movie "Reagan," which put a spotlight on the 40th U.S. president.

The film, premiering on FOX Nation on July 2, provides a look at the decades-long effort to bring the motion picture about President Ronald Reagan to the big screen.

FOX NATION EXPLORES HOW REAGAN AND JOHN PAUL II’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE HELPED TOPPLE THE IRON CURTAIN

"Reagan," starring Dennis Quaid as the actor-turned-commander in chief, documents his journey from his small town of Dixon, Ill., to the California governor’s mansion and finally to the Oval Office. It centers a great deal on his humble upbringing, his relationship with his wife Nancy, as well as his efforts to thaw relations with the then-Soviet Union during the Cold War. The film also stars Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan and Jon Voight as Soviet engineer Viktor Petrovich.

DENNIS QUAID THRILLS LOCALS IN DIXON, ILL., FOR ‘REAGAN’ PREMIERE, SAYS HOLLYWOOD ‘FORGOT’ ABOUT SMALL TOWNS

The documentary will feature never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, original interviews with producer Mark Joseph and cast members Elya Baskin, Will Wallace, Kevin Dillon, and more, along with archival footage of Reagan, key moments from the film, and backstage footage from the set.

The documentary will also highlight some of the obstacles the filmmakers faced during production, including, but not limited to, the COVID-19 pandemic and the actors' strike, through interviews and unprecedented access to the production process.

DENNIS QUAID'S 'REAGAN' BIOPIC WILL RETURN TO THEATERS FOR AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

"Reagan's story has always been one of resilience and determination, and what made this project so compelling was how those same qualities were reflected in the film's own journey to the screen," Gavin Hadden, SVP of Production and FOX Nation, said. "It became a fitting tribute to a leader whose life was defined by overcoming obstacles and exceeding expectations."

A special edition of "Reagan," with 10 additional minutes of never-before-seen footage, is scheduled to release in theaters September 18, in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

There are plans for both limited audience screenings on July 4 in over a dozen cities and a wider-scale rerelease in September in 600 theaters. The additional scenes include moments between Reagan and his wife Nancy in the Oval Office, a scene between Reagan and his alcoholic father, Jack, and scenes at the Reagans’ ranch near Santa Barbara.

Director Sean McNamara said of the extended rerelease cut, "One of the hardest things about directing a feature film is leaving behind incredible moments on the cutting room floor. I’m so happy to have some of my favorite scenes back in the film for audiences to experience them for the first time."

Fox News' Alexander Hall contributed to this report.