Neal McDonough and his wife Ruvé recently secured a first-look agreement between their production company, The McDonough Company, and Angel Studios for three forthcoming films. This partnership was announced in early 2024 as part of their shared commitment to create uplifting, faith-based entertainment.
The Neal McDonough Angel Deal aligns with their mission to produce family-friendly stories that emphasize themes of faith, freedom, and positive values. The collaboration is intended to amplify the reach of their movies by leveraging Angel Studios’ platform, which specializes in uplifting content for global audiences.
Focus on Family, Faith, and Freedom in Storytelling
In a statement, Neal McDonough highlighted the core focus of their production house.
The McDonough Company is focused on family, faith, and celebrating freedom,
he said.
Partnering with a company that aligns with our passion for sharing positive, powerful stories is a dream come true for Ruvé and me, and Angel continues to be a perfect match.
This agreement builds on a foundation of mutual values, specifically the desire to share narratives that inspire and uplift audiences through wholesome content.
Projects in Development and Creative Partnerships
The initial slate of films that Angel Studios will consider includes projects already underway at The McDonough Company. Of particular note is a highly anticipated feature that reunites McDonough with trusted collaborators Jon Avnet and Mykelti Williamson. This team has a track record of producing character-driven and emotionally resonant stories.
Angel Studios’ Head of Acquisitions, David Fischer, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the shared vision.
Ruvé and Neal lead with integrity, purpose, and a deep commitment to stories that uplift and inspire. This agreement reflects shared values with our Angel Guild and a shared vision for the impact great films have on global audiences.
Advocating for Faith-Based Content in Hollywood
Neal McDonough has been vocal about Hollywood’s need for more faith-centered and family-oriented films. Speaking in 2024 during an interview with Glenn Beck, he stressed the importance of supporting movies that explore themes of faith and family.
There is definitely a need for films that talk about faith — talk about family, talk about the what-ifs of life,
McDonough said.
Going out and buying tickets to films like this — that’s the message you’re directly sending to Los Angeles.
He further mentioned a variety of creators who are pioneering this genre, including Angel Studios, the Erwin Brothers, Dallas Jenkins, and the Kendricks.
Whether it’s Angel Studios, whether it’s the amazing Erwin Brothers, whether it’s Dallas Jenkins, whether it’s the Kendricks, whoever it is who’s going out on a limb and telling stories of faith so the whole family can go to a theater.
Previous Collaborations Between McDonough and Angel Studios
This new deal is not Neal McDonough’s first collaboration with Angel Studios. He previously starred in Angel’s films THE SHIFT, HOMESTEAD, and THE LAST RODEO. These works have received positive evaluations from faith-based critics, with Movieguide® awarding THE LAST RODEO a +2 content score for its strong Christian worldview and heartfelt themes.
A Movieguide® review praised THE LAST RODEO:
THE LAST RODEO is a powerful, exciting movie with wonderful acting and powerful reconciliations as well as many wonderful, heartfelt scenes of reconciliation and miraculous overcoming. Best of all, THE LAST RODEO has a strong Christian, biblical worldview. It has multiple references to God the Father, with characters talking about Him openly. There are also multiple instances of reading the Bible and accepting God’s grace.
Significance of the Partnership for Family-Friendly Media
The collaboration between The McDonough Company and Angel Studios underscores a broader effort to revive wholesome and faith-based entertainment within the film industry. This alliance aims to bring more content suited for families back into Hollywood’s mainstream offerings.
Referencing scripture, the partnership draws inspiration from Colossians 3:23-24:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
This biblical principle reflects the shared dedication of McDonough and Angel Studios to creating meaningful stories with purpose and heart. As audiences anticipate the fruits of this union, it signals an encouraging direction for those seeking films that nurture and inspire faith and family values.
