Forget the upside-down, Mike Wheeler is headed to the director’s chair next.Finn WolfhardofStranger Thingsfameis to co-directan original horror comedy with frequent collaboratorBilly Bryk.
In addition to co-directing, Wolfhard has also written the script with Bryk and both will star in the film as well. The plot of the film, currently titledHell of a Summer, is yet to be revealed. ThoughHell of a Summerwill mark Wolfhard’s feature directorial debut, he previously co-directed and co-wrote a music video calledSpendtime Palace: Sonora.In 2020, Wolfhard was the sole writer/director on a short film calledNight Shifts, also starring Bryk.
Wolfhard has already built an impressive career onscreen. On the small screen, he is best known to audiences as Mike Wheeler in Netflix’sStranger Things,which has just released its fourth season. On the big screen, Wolfhard starred as young Richie Tozier in both chapters of Warner Bros.’ adaptation of Stephen King’sIt. In addition, Wolfhard appeared in 2021’sGhostbusters: Afterlifeand will be featured later this year as the titular character inGuillermo del Toro’s Pinocchiofor Netflix.
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Bryk has appeared with Wolfhard in several projects includingGhostbusters: AfterlifeandJessie Eisenberg’s When You Finish Saving the Worldfor A24. Bryk comes from a show business family, as his father,Greg Brykhas appeared in numerous projects, including theSawfranchise. His brother,Dempsey Bryk, is also an actor and a frequent collaborator. The film will also starFred Hechinger, most recently seen in Hulu’sPam & Tommy. Hechinger’s upcoming projects include Netflix and Scott Coopers’sThe Pale Blue Eye,Butcher’s Crossing,and Sony and Marvel’sKraven the Hunterwhere he will play Dimitri Smerdyakov AKA Chameleon. Hechinger will also produce the film along with Bateman,Michael Costigan,Drew Brennan, andJay Van Hoy.
30West, who will finance and executive produce the film, has been responsible for several successful films includingCraig Gillespie’sI, TonyaandRidley Scott’sAll the Money in the World. Aggregate Films,Jason Bateman’s production company, will also serve as a producer for the film as will Parts and Labor. Production is currently due to begin later this month in Ontario, Canada.
Regarding the project, Wolfhard stated, “I am so excited to be co-directing my first feature film. I get the chance to work with an incredible cast and crew, and to work with a company like 30West and Aggregate is a real dream.”
The release date forHell of a Summeris yet to be announced.
