Angel Studios, the innovative platform that empowers creators to crowdfund, create, and distribute film series globally with full creative control, announces “The Last Rodeo” has completed production and will release in theaters for Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, 2025. The feature-length film is directed by Jon Avnet (“Fried Green Tomatoes,” “Black Swan”) and is written by Neal McDonough (“Minority Report,” “Band of Brothers”), Derek Presley (“Boon”), and Jon Avnet.

“Neal and Ruvé McDonough have been invaluable partners with Angel Studios this past year, and the Angel Guild’s enthusiastic response to their project ‘The Last Rodeo’ has been remarkable,” said Jordan Harmon, President of Angel Studios. “Director Jon Avnet’s vision and execution of the film is nothing short of exceptional. The Angel Guild consistently champions projects that inspire hope and healing, and we believe this film will significantly advance our mission to illuminate stories in a profound and impactful way.”

“The Last Rodeo” shares the story of Joe Wainwright (Neal McDonough), an aging retired champion bull rider, and his daughter Sally (Sarah Jones) who face a crisis that can only be solved by Joe entering and winning a bull riding competition. Joe must connect with a bull fighter and his estranged best friend of many years, Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson) to enter the legends contest as the oldest contestant in history. Despite strained relations with his strong-willed daughter, he must confront his demons and consider the greatest sacrifice for his family.

“The Last Rodeo” stars McDonough, Mykelti Williamson (“Forrest Gump,” “Three Kings”), Christopher McDonald (“Thelma & Louise,” “Happy Gilmore”), Sarah Jones (“For All Mankind,” “Vegas”), and PBR Champion Daylon Swearingen. The project was filmed in collaboration with the Professional Bull Riding Association.

Actor/producer/writer Neal McDonough states, “Joe Wainwright is on a journey from America’s heartland into the hearts and souls of everyone who’s ever loved their family so much they struggled for the words to express it properly. This film has an incredible heart with a universal message of love, vulnerability, and reconciliation that the world so desperately needs right now. And my frequent collaborator and friend Jon Avnet is the director who could best bring this story to audiences around the world.”

“The Last Rodeo” is financed by Unity Productions, Roman Capital Investments, and private equity partner Liam Griffin. The film is produced by Ruvé and Neal McDonough, Jon Avnet, and Kip Konwiser (“Outlaw Posse”).

“The Last Rodeo” is the third film that Angel Studios has partnered with The McDonough Company. The first film, “The Shift,” a sci-fi thriller, released in theaters December 1, 2023. Followed by “Homestead,” a post-apocalyptic drama, slated to release in theaters on December 20, 2024. “The Last Rodeo” will launch in theaters starting May 23, 2025.

About Angel Studios
Angel Studios is a values-based distribution company for stories that amplify light to mainstream audiences. Through the Angel Guild, over 375,000 members choose which film and television projects the studio will market and distribute. 104,000 Angel Guild members in 155 countries have invested nearly $80M in projects distributed by the studio to date. Angel Studios is behind the global box office hit, “Sound Of Freedom,” which has earned $250 million in theatrical box office. Learn more at Angel.com