Hollywood star Neal McDonough recently discussed his latest role in the movie “Homestead,” while tying it to his faith. The apocalyptic thriller produced by Angel Studios is set to be released in theaters later this year. Angel Studios is responsible for the box office hit “Sound of Freedom” and the faith-based series “The Chosen.”
McDonough is known for playing the role of the villain in the numerous projects he has acted in. However, in “Homestead,” he pivoted to play a “good guy” named Ian Ross. According to the character’s description, Ross is a “homesteader living in the Rockies who believes he’s prepared for every eventuality — that is until he comes face-to-face with the moral dilemmas presented by civil unrest at his own doorstep.”
“When Ian is torn between his wife’s faith and the brutal realities of survival, every decision comes with gut-wrenching consequences,” the description continues. McDonough recently addressed his upcoming role in a social media post, tying Ross’ persona to faith.
“To me, Ian is all of us,” McDonough said in an Instagram post. “Just a man trying to do right by his conscience-the commitments he’s made to his wife and family, to his God, and to his fellow man.” The actor added, “He doesn’t always get it right … And really none of us do, but for the grace of God.”
McDonough recently described Ross, comparing it to a more “family-friendly” version of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, on the hit television show Yellowstone. He added that the role is set in a “post-apocalyptic” time frame in which his homestead is highly coveted.
“It’s kind of Kevin Costner’s character from ‘Yellowstone’ but a much more family-friendly event,” the actor explained. “It’s post-apocalyptic, what happens when the world falls apart. This guy I’m playing has lots of money and everyone wants into my homestead and my compound.”He further elaborated, “I hire these military guys and they’re saying no one can come in,” he added. “But my heart just breaks when I see these people and I start giving everything away.”
McDonough recently expressed how he endured several hard years in his career but trusted that God had a plan amid the downturn. He noted that he has pursued more meaningful roles in projects that align with his values, such as faith-oriented films with his wife, Ruve.
He said, “And you know, especially in the films that Ruvé [Robertson] and I have been doing and … producing in the last couple of years, they talk about these things,” he added. “[They] talk about what it’s like to have your faith challenged or how you can overcome certain difficulties in life knowing that God has your back…”
Reportedly, “Homestead” will eventually morph into a TV series that is described as a “post-apocalyptic family survival drama” where society has collapsed. A description reads, “As the fabric of America goes to pieces, a few dozen families scramble to ‘The Homestead’ in a last-ditch effort to survive,” it added. “They quickly discover that Ross’ elaborate plans will not protect them. Outside the gates, desperate neighbors, criminals, and opportunistic rivals look to The Homestead’s resources as a treasure trove. Inside, the community divides into factions: military versus civilian, compassionate versus practical, spiritual versus rational.”
“Eventually, the gentle rhythms of the land permeate all, and a spirit of unity begins to overtake the community,” the description continues. “As they cultivate the plants, animals, and the soil, and as they face looming destruction, their modern squabbles give way to ancient, forgotten truths.”
Featured image credit: heroes and villains, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neal_McDonough_2015_(2).jpg