When was the last time Hollywood cheered for a producer who outright challenges its status quo? Enter DeVon Franklin—a force in the entertainment industry since the early 2000s. DeVon is not just any filmmaker. His story begins in Oakland, California, where he defied odds and expectations to forge an illustrious path to Tinseltown. Rising to prominence with films like Breakthrough and Miracles from Heaven, he's become an emblem for faith-based cinema. But why would Hollywood, a place known for its liberal leanings, have a bone to pick with someone as successful and talented as Franklin? Simply put, DeVon Franklin produces uplifting films that carry the weight of Christian values—an anomaly in an industry that often toes the line of secular narratives.
There’s a lot to dissect about DeVon Franklin’s brand of storytelling, and it starts with his unapologetic penchant for weaving Christianity into movies. It’s no secret that the entertainment world has a longstanding love affair with tales that push boundaries and provoke controversy, often at odds with traditional values. Franklin, however, marches to the beat of a different drum. His films often depict characters grappling with spiritual dilemmas, making narratives that are as uncomfortable for some as they are enthralling for others. And guess what? These films have not only resonated with audiences but have also performed well at the box office. This kind of success annoys Hollywood naysayers to no end, as they watch a genre championed by Franklin gain traction.
At a time when the left seems determined to erase conservatives from the annals of influence, Franklin’s steady ascent is nothing short of remarkable. He has proven that there is still a huge market for movies that promote family, faith, and perseverance. The rare film producer who understands the American heartland, Franklin knows what goes down well with the millions who feel overlooked by the coastal elites. His projects are a case study in how to achieve mainstream success while staying true to one's principles.
Franklin doesn't merely produce films; he crafts stories that manifest his worldview without descending into preachiness. His 2019 film Breakthrough encapsulates this perfectly. Based on the true story of a teenager who miraculously survived falling through ice, the film stood as a testament to faith and community, earning over $50 million globally. Franklin's role as a transformative storyteller and astute businessman proves you don’t have to blaspheme to make a blockbuster. Just imagine how that irritates those who insist you must.
An ordained minister, Franklin seamlessly integrates his faith into his work. Imagine the surprise when Hollywood insiders learned he also served as a spiritual advisor on the set of his films! Franklin makes it his mission to show that having faith isn’t just reserved for Sundays. He illustrates that you can balance spirituality and professionalism, even in an industry that often dismissively waves off religion as 'unhip.' Offering inspirational sermons online and writing books, he demonstrates leadership in influencing cultural conversations around faith.
Franklin has written numerous books, such as The Wait co-authored with his wife, actress Meagan Good. The book champions celibacy before marriage—a message as antiquated to some as it is revolutionary to others. It’s no surprise then that Franklin has found a fan base far outside typical Hollywood circles, probably because those audiences feel like they finally have a voice willing to advocate for them. Hollywood loves to portray itself as the paragon of open-mindedness, yet Franklin’s success shows there are still swathes of the population it outright ignores. DeVon Franklin highlights how discerning new opportunities can assist in a dynamic synergy between faith and entertainment, flipping the bird to those unwilling to see it.
Despite his acclaim, Franklin faces resistance. In an industry where the loudest are frequently the ones promoting social justice narratives, safe to say Franklin is not everyone's cup of tea. But therein lies the rub. Franklin’s films that emphasize moral themes aren't merely success stories; they are also love letters to values that many thought outdated. His richly woven stories and dynamic productions show how standing by one’s principles is not just rewarding but in demand.
And let’s talk about the courage it takes to stay the course. Hollywood isn’t known for rewarding those who buck the trend. Yet, Franklin’s projects continue to flourish, powered not just by great storytelling but also by the themes of family, faith, and love that American audiences have cherished for generations. Franklin’s audacious assertion that morality can draw as much attention as controversy—that’s his bold affirmation that has got the establishment’s gears grinding.
Is DeVon Franklin trying to transform Hollywood? Possibly. More critically, he underscores that viewers are tired of the usual fare and yearn for something refreshing, something with integrity that speaks to them. Franklin’s work, at its core, is about giving people stories with heart, with meaning. For him, films are not just about assets and liabilities—they are platforms to inspire change. He has enabled the industry to explore paths untapped, paving a road for a new era of meaningful content. And as much as some may resist, those powerful stories, fueled by conviction and integrity, continue to prove they are here to stay.