The Last Rodeo is a heartfelt American drama released on 23 May 2025. Jon Avnet is in charge of this movie, which is about the emotional journey of Joe Wainwright, a retired bull rider who goes back to the rodeo world for his family. Joe goes back into the dangerous arena to raise money for his grandson’s treatment when he gets very sick. He tries to reconnect with his daughter Sally, who he hasn’t seen in a long time, while dealing with the problems of his past.
Neal McDonough, Sarah Jones, Mykelti Williamson, Christopher McDonald, and Daylon Swearingen are all talented actors in the movie. The movie is also known for its realistic settings, in addition to its emotional story and strong acting. The filmmakers picked places that show what American rodeo life is really like.
Where Was The Last Rodeo Filmed?
Filming for The Last Rodeo mainly took place in Oklahoma, with a few scenes shot in Texas. The production team selected locations that reflect small-town charm and strong ties to rodeo culture. Let’s break down the key filming spots.
Owasso, Oklahoma
The movie primarily filmed in Owasso, a city in northeastern Oklahoma’s Rogers and Tulsa counties. It has a mix of suburban and rural elements, which makes it a great setting for a drama about a former rodeo star.
The name “Owasso” comes from an Osage Indian word that means “end of the trail.” This fits perfectly with the movie’s themes of personal struggle and redemption. The scenes shot here were more real and interesting because the city had quiet streets, open spaces and a friendly community.
The production team filmed scenes of dancing, talking, and even a bar fight at places like the Jack of Clubs bar in Owasso. The rodeo grounds at McCarty Park were also very important because they made the bull riding come to life. In Owasso, you will experience the same authentic vibe that you feel in the movie.
Collinsville, Oklahoma
Collinsville, another important filming location, is just northeast of Owasso. Collinsville is smaller and more rural than Owasso, and it has a traditional feel with a hint of Western charm. The movie had a more real, down-to-earth feel because it used scenes from its historic downtown area.
Collinsville is known for its small-town values and celebrating its Western roots. These traits helped the movie create a setting that people can really relate to, especially those who are familiar with rodeo life.
The Silver Dollar Café, a local diner that was turned into a Texas-style bar for the movie, was one of the most famous places to film in Collinsville. It was a wonderful setting for important character moments and emotional scenes for the filmmakers.
Expo Square—Tulsa, Oklahoma
Another important place was Tulsa, where the intense bull-riding scenes were filmed at places like Tim’s Diner, the Mabee Center and the Expo Square Pavilion. Tulsa’s reputation as a filming location is growing, as seen in projects like Tulsa King. This made it a good choice. The city had everything from skilled crews to a wide range of locations, which made the movie look real and polished.
Skiatook and Okmulgee, Oklahoma
The production also went to Skiatook and Okmulgee, two smaller towns in Oklahoma. Skiatook, which is called the “Gateway to the Osage,” gave the movie a rustic feel. Okmulgee, which is in the heart of Oklahoma, helped give the movie its emotional and grounded tone. Although the movie’s filming took place in these towns, their landscapes likely shaped its rural aesthetic.
Thackerville, Oklahoma
The other Oklahoma location, Thackerville, was chosen because it is connected to rodeo culture. This little town close to the Texas border was a good place for scenes related to bull riding. The fact that it was close to the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) scene, where stars like Daylon Swearingen and Ezekiel Mitchell made cameos, made the movie feel more real.
Edna, Texas
The filmmakers also chose Edna, Texas, for parts of the movie. The team also shot scenes in Edna, a small town in Texas’s Gulf Coast region. As the county seat of Jackson County, Edna has a rich history tied to the New York, Texas, and Mexican Railway from 1882. Its Southern charm and open landscapes made it a great stand-in for scenes set outside Oklahoma, adding variety to the film’s look.
By including Edna, the filmmakers were able to showcase more of the Southern landscape and lifestyle, helping to round out the rodeo-driven atmosphere of the story.
When Was The Last Rodeo Filmed?
The movie was shot in March and April of 2024. The production team used Oklahoma’s spring weather and real locations to get the best shots. They were able to make a believable and emotionally rich setting that supports the story by filming in real communities that are connected to rodeo culture.
The Last Rodeo Behind The Scenes
Bringing The Last Rodeo to life was a deeply personal journey for actor Neal McDonough. Not only did he star as Joe Wainwright, but he also co-wrote and produced the film alongside his wife, Ruvé McDonough. Reflecting on the experience, McDonough shared, “I got to write, produce, and star in a film with my wife, Ruvé. I got Mykelti Williamson and Christopher McDonald, two of my best friends in Hollywood, to be in this film”.
Daylon Swearingen, a real-life rodeo champion, was in the movie and also acted as a technical advisor. This made the rodeo scenes look great and be technically correct.
McDonough’s first choice to direct the project was Jon Avnet, who is known for his work on Fried Green Tomatoes and Justified. Their long history of working together made sure they understood the film’s emotional core very well. “Jon and I have been working together for 25 years,” McDonough said. For me, this was the best team ever.
One of the film’s unique aspects is McDonough’s on-screen kiss with his real-life wife, Ruvé. Adhering to his personal values, McDonough has chosen not to perform intimate scenes with other actresses. This decision added a layer of authenticity to their portrayal of a married couple on screen.
The story was filmed in Oklahoma, in places like Owasso, Collinsville, and Tulsa’s Expo Square, which were perfect for the setting. The production team used these places to make a setting that is visually rich and emotionally engaging, which goes well with the story of the movie.
The Last Rodeo isn’t just a movie about bull riding; it’s also about family, faith and redemption. McDonough said it best: “This movie has an amazing heart and a message of love, vulnerability, and reconciliation that the world needs right now.”
The Last Rodeo Official Trailer
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