After a triumphant world premiere during the NFR, Outriding the Devil hits the rodeo trail on the Premiere Tour
HOUSTON, TX — Rusty Wright currently sits atop the saddle bronc world standings. He’s all too familiar with some of life’s toughest challenges. In many ways, his meteoric rise to number one in the world this season is equal parts comeback and renewal.
“This hasn’t always been easy, but the support of family and friends makes it all worth it,” says Rusty.
It should come as no surprise that during the NFR movie premiere of Outriding the Devil, the film’s director, Raen LeVell, credited Rusty Wright with setting the tone for the film early in production, saying his interview “became the film’s heartbeat.”
On reflection, that shouldn’t be surprising, as central to Outriding the Devil is one of the most inspirational comebacks in rodeo history. Texas Hall of Fame barrel racer Angela Ganter’s incredible fortitude and bravery to overcome Stage 4 breast cancer and return to the highest levels of the WPRA and PRCA circuit.
“I ended up having nine surgeries and had to start taking what they call ‘the red devil,’ the worst chemo you can take,” shares Ganter, shedding light on the devil she outrode.
“You don’t know how many young people, without her knowing, that she’s inspiring,” Wright says of Ganter. “There might be somebody out there looking for that ‘why’ — and she’s been that ‘why’ for more people than she knows.”
Following its premiere, Outriding the Devil received stellar reviews. The PRCA (ProRodeo.com) flagged it as, “One of the great rodeo movies,” which is a succinct summation. Yes, there’s the guts and glory. The thrilling rides. Stetson Wright and Ky Hamilton transporting the audience into the chutes as the gate’s about to open.
“That gate will open and on those really rank bulls you hardly can see what’s going on. You can feel what’s happening and you can see little bits of it, but nine times out of ten, it’s all based off reaction,” recounts Hamilton, matter-of-factly.
There’s the inescapable heartache from equine loves lost, notably the tragedy that took Angela’s beloved Bugs, that is deeply affecting. Then, like any classic film, there’s contrast. Shad “Money” Mayfield’s magnetic personality lights-up the screen as he guides us through the world of rodeo and Angela and Jackie Ganter’s place within it. But there’s more.
Angela Ganter’s great-grandfather, John Campbell, a Scotsman by way of Virginia, was among the first to ranch on the Brazos in west Texas, which in 1850, was the domain of the Comanche Nation. Pragmatism won out and these interactions weren’t what we have come to imagine. Learning of Angela’s pioneer ranching heritage, we understand that the strength and determination to overcome cancer was informed by that legacy. The fight is in her blood.
The role of Quanah Parker, the legendary Comanche statesman, in advancing cattle and ranching as an economic and cultural driving force in the West with Charles Goodnight, Samuel Burk Burnett, and Daniel Waggoner is connective tissue in Ganter’s heritage and the evolution of rodeo.
Mo Brings Plenty, who brings profound insights throughout Outriding the Devil, credits writer/director LeVell with bringing context to these stories.
“Raen and Taylor (Sheridan) are very similar in some ways. They are both visionaries and amazing storytellers,” says Brings Plenty, one of the most popular stars from Sheridan’s Yellowstone. “They both also share my passion to depict our history and culture correctly.”
But the north star in Outriding the Devil is the importance of family, which is movingly articulated by both the Ganters and the Wrights.
“Your fight and your will to live is what’s going to keep you here,” reflects Angela on defying cancer. “You have to find that reason to fight, and it’s not for yourself. You have to find that person. You have to have something that makes you want to fight harder for anything beyond you. And that was my daughter. I lived for Jackie.”
The sacred bond between mother and daughter is palpable from the opening minutes and is deftly layered by the director, chapter by chapter. Jackie Ganter, two-time NFR qualifier and 2015 WPRA Rookie of the Year, is a compelling presence in Outriding the Devil.
“My mom’s a very tough person. My granny’s a very tough person. That’s kinda how I’ve been raised. You’re not really given an option in our family to not be tough,” Jackie reflects.
“Rodeo to me means family. You can be great, but you’re not going to be as great as you could be without all of your support and family. Your mom, dad, brothers, aunts, and uncles. In my case, I have an army behind me. Without that army I call family, I wouldn’t be where I am,” acknowledges Rusty Wright.
Without hesitation, ten-time world champion Stetson Wright states, “family is everything to me.” As the film unfolds, Stetson expresses the range of emotions he goes through watching his brothers’ ride. With the Ganters, we see it. As Jackie rides for a Canadian Finals Rodeo title, her mom turns every barrel with her as she watches the clock and lives the run outside of the arena.
“Angela and Jackie are in elite company as a mother and daughter duo competing at the highest level in the United States and Canada.”
Garrett Yerigan, two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year
ShaRee Wright, whose warmth and calm demeanor translates naturally to the big screen, provides context to the Wright family’s legacy in rodeo.
“Cody did it,” begins ShaRee, referring to her husband, two-time saddle bronc world champion Cody Wright. “His brothers did it. And now my boys all do it. There have been so many members of the Wright family who have competed at this level. When you step back and look at it, it’s incredible.”
The legacy continued at the recent San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, when all four brothers made the saddle bronc final. Stetson took the championship buckle, and Rusty and Ryder tied for second.
“The older I got, the more I realized what my dad created and how big it was,” continues Stetson. “I wish there were words to explain how awesome it is to be part of, because we grew up in the smallest town and were just known as the little wild Wright boys. There was nothing to suggest that one day we’d be plastered all over Las Vegas, Nevada, during the NFR! We’ve come a long ways, and it’s pretty sweet.”
Catch the Movie During the Premiere Tour
If you love rodeo and Western heritage and want to immerse yourself in a story of faith, family, and genuine “true grit,” catch Outriding the Devil on its Premiere Tour, beginning in Texas at several historic Western venues this year.
The 2026 Premiere Tour Schedule
Texas Tour Stops:
- Houston: River Oaks Theatre (During Rodeo Houston)
- March 14th at 11 AM
- Abilene: The Paramount (Angela Ganter’s hometown)
- March 15th at 2 PM
- Austin: Eastside Cinema (During Rodeo Austin)
- March 21st at 1 PM
- San Angelo: Cinemark (Official event of the San Angelo Stock Show)
- April 8th at 7 PM
Mountain West & Canada:
The tour continues with its Arizona Premiere, then takes the rodeo trail until September, with several dates in Wyoming and Montana, and the Outriding the Devil’s Canadian Premiere in Calgary. Check otdmovie.com for updates and more announcements.
- Benson, AZ: Historic Mescal Movie Set with acoustic performance by Chancey Williams
- April 18th
- Tempe, AZ: Pollack Cinemas
- April 25th
- Calgary, AB: The Plaza Theatre (Canadian Premiere)
- June 18th
- Wyoming & Montana: Various dates through September.
The 1st official world premiere kicked off during the 2025 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you were not able to attend the premiere, here is your chance! Be on the lookout for this fantastic movie as it follows the rodeo trail this season. I know I will be!
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