Neil McDonough’s Latest Film: A Heartland Story

Actor Neil McDonough describes his new film as a representation of America’s Heartland, embodying themes of faith, family, and the work ethic he inherited from his parents. The movie, titled The Last Rodeo and produced by Angel Studio, features McDonough as Joe Wainwright, a retired bull rider who, after a family tragedy, steps back into the arena for one last ride to raise funds. Throughout this journey, Wainwright deals with his past traumas and rediscovers his faith. The film is set to premiere this weekend.

This project was produced under the McDonough Company, which is McDonough’s own independent production venture.

“Hollywood has sort of lost its way. Sometimes, it feels like they forget to portray what America really stands for,” he shared in an interview. “We wanted to bring that back.” In his view, it seems that they achieved this goal.

Many recognize McDonough from his roles as tough military and law enforcement characters in films like Captain America: The First Avenger and Minority Report. Recently, however, he’s taken the lead in more family-oriented stories, such as Homestead and Shift, both released by Angel.

The concept for The Last Rodeo initially hit McDonough while he was on the set of Warrant: Breaker Law. He recalled, “I think perhaps God inspired these ideas. I’ve never been to a rodeo, never even seen one. Yet, in less than 24 hours, the film’s core outline practically spilled out of me.”

After reaching out to his writing partner, Derek Presley, he drafted the script in just a week and quickly began fundraising. “It felt like a divine intervention,” he said.

Directed and co-written by Jon Avnet, known for Fried Green Tomatoes, the film aims to resonate with American values. McDonough emphasizes that these principles hold a personal significance for him.

“My parents immigrated from Ireland. My dad arrived with just $12. He walked straight into the Army office and said, ‘Make me an American.’ He served overseas for seven years and returned as the proudest American. He instilled those values in all of us.” This experience drives McDonough to create films that resonate with core American beliefs.

Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “I feel incredibly blessed to be able to make films that honor God.”

The film carries a PG rating for its thematic elements, language, and scenes of violence.