John Magaro Explores Fatherhood and Financial Struggle in 'Omaha' Film

John Magaro is redefining masculinity in his latest role as "Dad" in Omaha, a film that delves into fatherhood, fear, and financial insecurity during the 2008 economic crisis. The movie, directed by Cole Webley and written by Robert Machoian, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and opens in theaters on Friday.

Magaro shared his perspective on the film’s themes with TheWrap, stating,

"I grew up in the Midwest, in Ohio, in Cleveland, during a time when jobs were going away, when the idea of masculinity for these blue-collar guys was being shaken to the core. I know how hard it is for them to reach out for help."

The film follows "Dad" as he embarks on a road trip across the Midwest with his two children (Ella and Charlie) and his dog after losing his home in the economic downturn. Magaro reflected on the significance of the character’s name, saying,

"I love that he’s just called Dad. I think that there’s something in that. It really shows this perspective, from Ella’s perspective. I love that he’s kind soon through this child’s eyes as the mystery that often our parents are at that age. I think about when I was that age and so much I didn’t know about who my parents were because you just see them as survivors. Then when you see that shaken and that confidence sort of betrayed, it’s so world-shattering for a child."

Magaro’s own experience with his father’s hidden struggles influenced his portrayal of "Dad." Raised in Ohio as the son of teachers, he saw his father as a strong, unshakable figure until he learned about his father’s battle with alcoholism as an adult. Magaro explained,

"It was something that my mom would talk about, they ended up splitting up, but we didn’t really know it. This was a secret, and much like Dad in this film, he never asked for help. He was from a generation where you don’t ask, where you didn’t do that. You didn’t show weakness. Again, like it does with Dad in this, his problems over time caught up with him."

He continued,

"Now, obviously as a parent, I know that. I know how flawed I am as a person. But it really is world-shaking when you see your parent as anything other than this pillar for you, this iron pillar. He never was able to ask for that help he required."

Omaha, distributed by Greenwich Entertainment, arrived at an opportune moment for Magaro. After wrapping up filming for September 5 in Germany, he sought a break to spend time with his family. However, after two friends urged him to read Machoian’s script, Magaro was immediately drawn to the project.

Magaro, who has starred in 20 films released this decade, said,

"This is an amazing story. These are rich characters. This is something I haven’t done before. By the end, I was just left devastated and I knew I wanted to be part of it."