GORDON, Neb. - The words on the Gordon Community Theater marquee spelled out something a little more exciting than the usual weekend feature: a hometown stuntman returning for a special screening of the film he helped bring to life.

Conner Halverson, a 23-year-old professional bull rider and now Hollywood stunt double, made an in-person appearance for a showing of "The Last Rodeo," a movie featuring his stunt work. The event drew plenty of buzz in the northwest Nebraska town of just under 1,500 people.

“The community is in an uproar about it, so we’re really looking forward to tonight,” said Larry Turnbull, co-chair of the Gordon Theater Board.

Halverson, who grew up in Gordon, said he never imagined ending up on a movie set.

“No, it never did cross my mind that I might be a stuntman in a movie,” Halverson said.

The opportunity came when Professional Bull Riders reached out and asked if he'd be interesting in performing stunts.

“The opportunity just arose, and I thought it was a pretty cool opportunity to take advantage of,” he said.

At the screening, Halverson signed autographs and caught up with longtime friends and familiar faces who knew him long before the Hollywood credits started rolling.

“It’s kind of crazy. I don’t look at myself anybody different,” Halverson said. “I’m just another kid who grew up in Gordon doing what he loves, and it’s pretty cool being able to come back and see all of the support that everybody gives.”

That hometown star power may just be the box office boost this small-town cinema needs.

“We’re struggling a little and have been since COVID,” Turnbull said. “But we’re working hard to keep it open and to keep going, and tonight will help that immensely.”