Finn Wolfhard already has his project after “Stranger Things”: directing.
The “Stranger Things” breakout star makes his directorial debut with an ’80s-inspired horror-comedy film “Summer of hellwhich he co-wrote with director Billy Bryk. The duo also features in the film, which is directed by “Nickel Boys” and “Gladiator II” actor. Fred Hechinger.
The official synopsis reads: “‘Hell of a Summer’ centers on 24-year-old camp counselor Jason Hochberg (Hechinger), who arrives at Camp Pineway believing his biggest problem is feeling out of touch with his fellow teenagers. What he doesn’t know is that a masked killer lurks in the campsites and brutally picks off counselors one by one.”
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Abby Quinn, Pardis Saremi, Rosebud Baker and Adam Pally also star. Hechinger, Wolfhard and Bryk all produce the feature, along with Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan and Jay Van Hoy. The film wrapped post-production in 2023 before landing at Neon for distribution.
Wolfhard told earlier Entertainment Weekly that at the age of 20 he was met with skepticism from financiers about his ability to direct a feature.
“That’s what everybody said when we were trying to get money for this movie,” Wolfhard said. “They are like”You are a bit young to direct a film.’ I say “Yup.”
He added, “Oh my God, they gave money to two kids to make a crazy (film).’ Not to detract from it, I’m incredibly proud of it, but it was one crazy thing. We would like to let film speak for yourself. I don’t think age defines filmmaking in any way. I think everyone has stories to tell, and if you have the chance to do it, do it.”
Wolfhard will also reprise his role for fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” which will debut later this year. “Stranger Things” first aired in July 2016, with the show spanning four years in the town of Hawkins. The final season features special screenings, in-person experiences, new limited-edition merchandise and more to mark the end of the viral show.
“Hell of a Summer” premieres on April 18 in theaters from Neon. Check out the trailer below.
