Willie Robertson Says New Film 'Elijah Peel' Shows 'You're Never Too Far Gone'
Businessman and reality television star Willie Robertson says his newest project is a redemptive film that echoes the themes of his father’s life - and of the timeless story of brokenness, grace and redemption that lies at the heart of the Christian faith.
Robertson is an executive producer of "Elijah Peel" (PG-13), which tells the story of a famous rock star whose life is turned upside down by a medical tragedy that lands him in the hospital, where he befriends a young girl who helps change his perspective on life. It was inspired by a true story.
The film opens in theaters Aug. 14 and is among the first projects associated with EKKL Entertainment, the new faith-and-family entertainment company Robertson and his wife, Korie, launched with Pure Flix co-founder Michael Scott. EKKL also includes a streaming service featuring faith-and family-focused movies, television series and other content.
“It’s a story of redemption, and you're never too far gone. So, it's just the [type of] stories we loved,” Willie told Crosswalk Headlines. “It reminded me of my father’s story.”
Robertson’s father, Phil Robertson, saw his own story of brokenness and redemption portrayed in "The Blind," the hit 2023 film that chronicled the patriarch’s struggles with alcohol and the transformation that followed his embrace of Christ.
The Robertson family rose to fame on the hit reality series "Duck Dynasty," while Willie and Korie starred in a follow-up, "Duck Dynasty: The Revival."
“It's one of those movies you watch, and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute. I didn't know this was [about] faith,’ which we kind of like that,” Willie said. “I kind of like it that it's not from the first five minutes: ‘Oh, here's no doubt this is a faith-based movie.’ It's not that. It's a gritty story of a rock star who's chasing after all the things in life, who thinks he's reached all that, but his life is just a mess, and then he finds himself – bang – in the hospital, and now he's having to reflect on the whole meaning of life.
“And then God provides this young girl who's got her own issues with medical stuff.”
"Elijah Peel" isn’t the only upcoming movie associated with EKKL Entertainment. Other ones include "Daniel and the Fiery Furnace" (Sept. 18) and "She Dances" (release date not set).
Willie added that EKKL was created in part to give the team an avenue to tell stories without the constraints they typically may encounter.
“The gatekeepers are the problem. You can't get stuff out because there's a gatekeeper there saying, ‘Nope, we're not putting that out,’ and ‘you've got to say it like this or that.’”
EKKL, he said, offers an alternative path for creators who want to tell faith-and family-focused stories.
Korie said the film packs an emotional punch.
“Bring your tissues,” she said.
Photo Credit: ©EKKL
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published August 10, 2026.
