Moviegoers may have noticed a few familiar Oklahoma sights lighting up the silver screen recently, as The Last Rodeo – a stirring drama filmed in part in Okmulgee – made a powerful box office debut with a $6.9 million opening. The film, which stars Neal Mc-Donough and is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon Avnet (Fried Green Tomatoes), opened nationwide on May 23 and has quickly climbed into the top ten films of the holiday weekend.

Produced and distributed by Angel Studios, the same platform behind crowd-driven hits like Sound of Freedom, The Last Rodeo is already winning over audiences with a 95% Rotten Tomatoes audience score and a rare “A” CinemaScore. The PG-rated film has struck a chord with viewers of all ages thanks to its heartfelt story, family-centered themes and thrilling rodeo action.

— Filmed in Okmulgee & Across Oklahoma Oklahomans will take pride in knowing that The Last Rodeo was filmed on location across the state, including scenes shot right here in Okmulgee. Production crews also set up in nearby communities such as Tulsa, Owasso, Collinsville and Skiatook during March and April of 2024. The Tulsa Expo Square served as the backdrop for the film’s intense bull-riding scenes, while the more rural landscapes – like those in Okmulgee – provided the authenticity that director Jon Avnet sought to bring his vision to life.

“We wanted The Last Rodeo to feel real,” Avnet said. “Oklahoma gave us not only the scenery, but the spirit.”

— Plot Summary: Redemption in the Arena At its core, The Last Rodeo is a redemptive tale of love, loss and the relentless pursuit of second chances. Neal McDonough stars as a once-legendary bull rider who is now long retired and struggling to reconnect with his family. When his grandson’s future is placed in jeopardy, he does the unthinkable – signs up to ride again.

As the oldest competitor ever in the dangerous, unforgiving world of professional bull riding, he must overcome personal demons, heal the fractured relationship with his estranged daughter (played by Sarah Jones of For All Mankind) and fight for more than a title – he’s fighting for his family’s legacy.

“This is not just a rodeo movie,” said co-producer Ruve McDonough. “It’s about courage, healing and the powerful bonds that hold us together when everything else seems lost.” — All-Star Cast & PBR Cameos

Joining McDonough and Jones in this emotionally gripping story are Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump), Christopher McDonald (Happy Gilmore) and several real-life stars from the world of professional bull riding. PBR champions Daylon Swearingen, Ezekiel Mitchell, Silvano Alves and Eli Vastbinder bring authenticity to the bull-riding arena scenes with their high-stakes performances.

“Mykelti Williamson delivers one of the most grounded performances of his career,” said director Jon Avnet. “And having real bull riders on set elevated the film beyond what we imagined.”

— Box Office Success & Angel Studios’ Vision Despite going head-to-head with major Hollywood franchises, The Last Rodeo held strong through Memorial Day weekend, opening in 2,205 locations across the country. Angel Studios’ Head of Theatrical Distribution, Brandon Purdie, credited the film’s success to the values-driven storytelling and the community that helped bring it to life.

“Neal and Ruve McDonough have created something rare: a film that delivers cinematic entertainment with heart, scale and purpose,” Purdie said. “It’s not just compelling storytelling – it’s a vision realized with conviction.”

With a PG rating and a deeply emotional narrative, The Last Rodeo is ideal for families looking for a film that combines action with heartfelt drama. While there are intense bull-riding scenes and emotional moments, the message of redemption, courage and family connection resonates strongly and appropriately for a broad audience.

“This movie reminds us that it’s never too late to do the right thing,” said one viewer leaving a screening in Tulsa. “And seeing parts of Oklahoma on the big screen just made it even more special.”

The Last Rodeo is currently showing in theaters nationwide, including several locations in Oklahoma. To find local showtimes or view the official trailer, visit Angel.com or your favorite theater’s website.

Whether you’re drawn to the gripping rodeo action or the emotional storytelling, one thing is certain: The Last Rodeo is a ride worth taking – and Okmulgee helped make it happen.