Alteration in ‘The Shift’

Today, McDonough views his previous antagonist characters as preparation for his current role in “The Shift.”

“I’ve had to play the role of the villain of the moment,” he remarked, adding that he declines to participate in sex scenes in movies“It has been a wonderful journey. I have five incredible children. I must take care of them and offer them all the wonderful aspects of life — and I’ve managed to achieve that by being an exceptional antagonist.”

Assuming the position of the antagonist, he stated, prompted him to reflect on his character.

“It’s amusing, when I portray the antagonist characters, it helps me understand how fortunate I am because you need to venture into specific areas of your mind, and as a method actor like myself, to explore intensely and uncover aspects — at times discover traits you’re not fond of, and you have to address those traits,” he expressed.

Without initially acknowledging those shortcomings, he mentioned, an individual cannot remedy or even discuss them.

“But engaging in this self-psychoanalysis while portraying specific characters,” he continued, “only strengthens me, boosts my faith, and makes life significantly simpler, understanding that others can say or act however they wish towards me. I am aware of the reality of situations, and I know that He is consistently present for me and for everyone who has faith in Him.”

If audiences derive a single lesson from experiencing his latest film, McDonough wished for it to be hope.

“There’s always a glimmer of hope,” he stated. “The main character endures some awful experiences, and other figures in the movie also face challenging, distressing, painful circumstances. However, those who fared the best by the conclusion of the film were the ones who possessed the greatest hope and trust in Him, believing that He is always present for us regardless of the situation.”

Citing his own experiences, McDonough shared that he stopped consuming alcohol eight years prior.

“That was an extremely challenging thing to let go of,” he stated. “Being aware that He was there for me and realizing that Ruvé is beside me, helping me to overcome it, I truly believe I wouldn’t have managed without my faith.”

“Since I understood that He cared for me and desired for me to cease my activities and embark on a specific journey to realign my life, that’s exactly what we accomplished,” he continued.

This movie, he remarked, also communicates the idea of God’s presence.

“I have experienced awful events in my life, and what helps you overcome them is having unwavering belief that God supports you and that our time here is limited,” he stated. “Let’s fulfill His purpose. Let’s adhere to the 10 Commandments. Let’s strive to honor Him in all our actions, and remarkable things will occur in both good and challenging times.”

A unique form of performance

In previous years, McDonough gained attention for declining to participate in intimate scenes, refrain from kissing fellow actors, or uttering the Lord’s name disrespectfully on screen.

Simultaneously, he emphasized that his beliefs have never posed a hindrance to his profession.

“How could that possibly be a barrier?” he inquired.

Rather, he declines to kiss other actresses on screen, stating that it’s because of his love for his wife, who is a former model now working as a producer.

“That landed me in hot water years back because I refused to participate in something I didn’t feel at ease with,” he mentioned, probably alluding to the time he was allegedly dismissed from the series “Scoundrels” in 2010 for declining to perform sexual scenes. “It wasn’t truly due to faith or anything; it’s solely because I adore my wife immensely.”

“I simply didn’t want to subject my wife to this situation because I’ve witnessed many of my friends put their wives through these challenges and eventually, they end up without wives,” he clarified. “It must be tough. It truly is tough.”

However, he suggested that audiences of an upcoming film he co-wrote and is producing with his wife, titled “The Last Rodeo,” will witness him share a kiss.

“I experience memories of my wife who died years back,” he remarked. “And Ruvé will portray my wife, and there’s a particular scene where I get to kiss my wife on screen. I am so looking forward to that part!”

Rather than obstructing his career, McDonough’s faith supported him, he stated.

“If anything, my belief is what helped me during periods when employers wouldn’t hire me because I refused to do specific things,” he stated.

“I realized I was never destined to be the protagonist of the major films since I wouldn’t embrace the woman in the conclusion,” he mentioned. “That’s perfectly okay with me; I’m not particularly concerned. I simply wish to have the opportunity to create, perform, and engage in what I am passionate about, understanding that I am doing it for the appropriate motives.”

He emphasized that he is primarily focused on his capacity to be the finest actor during his moments on screen.

“That’s something I truly take pride in, that when I’m brought on for a project, I will put in every effort to ensure that I don’t disappoint anyone: the investors, the producers, the writers, the directors, my fellow cast members,” he stated. “But also my family and for God.”

“I want to ensure that I’m delivering the best performance — even if I’m portraying a villain,” he stated. “Without a villain, the hero doesn’t appear as heroic, so I feel it’s my responsibility to make my villains truly unique.”

The McDonough Firm

Collectively, McDonough mentioned, he and his spouse are on the verge of creating their fifth project.

“That occurred by the grace of God, enabling all of this to unfold, and allowing us to share narratives in the manner we believe they ought to be shared for Him, illuminating Him even amidst the darkness,” he stated.

He mentioned that his new production firm with his spouse, The McDonough Company, is developing and widening its scope.

“It’s a rather humbling, truly humbling sensation that I have the opportunity to engage in what I am passionate about alongside my wife and create movies and TV series that honor Him,” he stated at another moment. “What a remarkable blessing that is.”

He stated that his intention for the future is to “continue creating content.”

“If you watch our films, we hope they serve as morality plays, quite Shakespearean in nature,” he stated. “At the conclusion of a remarkable film … when there’s space for a dialogue afterward, allowing for discussions and learning from those exchanges, that’s incredible, and that’s what we aim to achieve.”

With “The Shift,” McDonough motivated audiences to take a parallel approach: After watching the film with their loved ones at the cinema, they ought to engage in a conversation afterward.

“That’s how we engage with our children,” he remarked. “Sure, Dad was part of it, which is wonderful. However, they really enjoyed the film.”