Zachary Levi believes stories of redemption are among the most important Hollywood can tell, especially when audiences want entertainment that offers more than violence and cynicism. The 46-year-old “Shazam” actor explores that theme in “Angel and the Badman,” a family-friendly Western hitting theaters Oct. 9 from Angel Studios. Levi stars as Quirt Evans, a feared outlaw forced to decide whether mercy and redemption offer a better path than the violence that has defined his life.
“It’s the most important story,” Levi told The Christian Post.
“It’s the story that God has told us through Christ and through all of these wonderful stories and narratives within Scripture and elsewhere that help to remind us that we are God’s children.” Directed by Julio Quintana, “Angel and the Badman,” originally a 1947 film starring John Wayne, follows Quirt after he staggers onto a ranch with a bullet in his back and expects to die.
Instead, Penny (Meg Fraser), the rancher’s daughter, extends compassion to the notorious outlaw and introduces him to the possibility of a life beyond violence. But Quirt’s past follows him. As a marshal closes in and an outlaw gang threatens the ranch, he must decide whether to revert to the man he was or choose a different path.
The film also stars Neal McDonough as Laredo, Tommy Lee Jones as the Marshal, Jean Louisa Kelly as Irene Worth, and Barrett Ellis Luca as Johnny Worth. The film is rated PG-13 for some violence, language and thematic material.
For Levi, who has previously spoken candidly with CP about his Christian faith and personal struggles, Quirt’s journey reflects the belief that no one is beyond the possibility of redemption, and grace can cover even the worst sinner.