Cole Sprouse Joins Kathryn Newton and Storm Reid in Indie Revenge Thriller Hot Year

Hot Year, the upcoming indie coming-of-age revenge thriller from first-time feature director Roxy Sophie Sorkin, has added Cole Sprouse to its ensemble cast. The film, which already stars Kathryn Newton and Storm Reid, is set to begin production in Oklahoma this May, according to an exclusive report from Deadline published on April 27, 2026. Sprouse joins a growing list of rising and established talent attached to the project, which promises a dark, atmospheric exploration of friendship, trauma and the consequences of vengeance.

Plot and Setting: A Feverish Night of Revenge and Regret

The film unfolds in a small Pacific Northwest town gripped by a relentless heatwave, a setting that amplifies the tension and unease at the heart of the story. Hot Year centers on two childhood best friends—portrayed by Newton and Reid—whose relationship is tested when a revenge plot against an ex-boyfriend spirals into violence. Over the course of a single, sweltering night, the pair must confront the fallout of their actions as long-buried trauma, shifting loyalties, and questions of identity collide. The premise blends elements of psychological thriller and coming-of-age drama, with Sorkin’s script promising a raw, character-driven narrative.

Sorkin, who wrote the screenplay in addition to directing, makes her feature debut with Hot Year. The project marks a bold entry into the thriller genre for the filmmaker, whose previous work has not been widely publicized. The choice of setting—a claustrophobic, heat-drenched town—suggests a deliberate effort to heighten the emotional and psychological stakes, a technique often employed in indie thrillers to create a sense of inescapable tension.

Cast Expands with Rising and Veteran Talent

Sprouse’s casting adds another layer of star power to a project already brimming with talent. The actor, known for his roles in Riverdale and Lisa Frankenstein, reunites with Newton, his co-star from the latter film. Their on-screen chemistry in Lisa Frankenstein—a campy, genre-blending take on Mary Shelley’s classic—was widely praised, and their collaboration in Hot Year has already generated anticipation among fans. In a statement to Deadline, Sorkin expressed enthusiasm for the dynamic between the two actors, noting that their shared history would bring depth to the film’s exploration of friendship and betrayal.

Newton, who recently reprised her role as Cassie Lang in Avengers: Doomsday, continues to balance blockbuster franchises with indie projects. Reid, known for her work in The Nun II and The Invisible Man, rounds out the film’s central trio. The supporting cast includes Dove Cameron (Love Me Dead), J. Smith-Cameron (Succession), and Owen Painter (Wednesday), each bringing their own distinct screen presence to the project.

The ensemble reflects a mix of rising stars and seasoned performers, a combination that often signals a project with both commercial appeal and artistic ambition. Sprouse’s involvement, in particular, is likely to draw attention from audiences familiar with his work in both television and film, while the presence of actors like Smith-Cameron—known for her nuanced performances in prestige television—hints at the film’s potential for critical acclaim.

Production Details and Creative Team

Production on Hot Year is scheduled to commence in Oklahoma in May 2026, with filming expected to take advantage of the state’s tax incentives for filmmakers. The choice of location aligns with the story’s Pacific Northwest setting, though specific filming sites have not been disclosed. Oklahoma has become an increasingly popular destination for film and television productions in recent years, thanks to its diverse landscapes and competitive financial incentives.

The film is produced by a team of industry veterans, including Jordan Wagner of Wagner Entertainment and Christine Vachon of Killer Films. Vachon, a prolific producer known for her work on independent films such as Boys Don’t Cry and Carol, brings a wealth of experience to the project. Evan Silverberg and Dylan Conklin of Entertainment 360, along with Ilya Stewart of Hype Studios, also serve as producers. Newton will executive produce, further signaling her investment in the project’s success.

Additional executive producers include Ryan Hamilton (Wagner Entertainment), Amanda Larney (co-producer), George Bicknell (associate producer), Aleksandr Fomin (Hype Studios), and Pavel Burian (Mosaic Films). Talia Bella and Randy Wayne of Rebellium Films are handling production services in Oklahoma, ensuring the logistical aspects of the shoot run smoothly. The involvement of multiple production companies suggests a collaborative effort to bring Sorkin’s vision to life, with each entity contributing resources and expertise to the project.

Sprouse’s Recent Work and Career Trajectory

Sprouse’s casting in Hot Year follows a busy 2025, during which he completed filming on three independent features: Wake, directed by Devon Michaels; Elastic Hearts, directed by Milad Schwartz Avaz; and Vintage Violence, directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko. His recent roles reflect a deliberate shift toward more complex, character-driven projects, a departure from the teen-oriented work that initially brought him fame. The actor has spoken publicly about his desire to explore darker, more nuanced material, and Hot Year appears to align with that goal.

Sprouse’s collaboration with Newton in Lisa Frankenstein was a turning point for both actors, showcasing their ability to balance humor and pathos in a genre-bending film. Their reunion in Hot Year suggests a shared creative vision, one that prioritizes storytelling over spectacle. For Sprouse, the project represents an opportunity to further establish himself as a leading man in the indie film space, a realm where he has steadily built a reputation for choosing projects with strong narrative and emotional depth.

Industry Context: The Rise of Indie Thrillers

Hot Year arrives at a time when indie thrillers are enjoying a resurgence in both critical and commercial circles. Films like Thelma (2024) and I Saw the TV Glow (2024) have demonstrated the genre’s ability to blend psychological tension with coming-of-age themes, appealing to audiences seeking more than just surface-level scares. The success of these films has paved the way for projects like Hot Year, which promise to push the boundaries of the genre while exploring timely themes of trauma, identity, and the consequences of violence.

The film’s focus on female friendship and revenge also aligns with a broader trend in contemporary cinema, where stories centered on women’s experiences—particularly in the thriller and horror genres—are gaining traction. Projects like Promising Young Woman (2020) and Fresh (2022) have proven that audiences are hungry for narratives that subvert expectations and challenge traditional gender dynamics. Hot Year appears poised to contribute to this conversation, offering a fresh perspective on the revenge thriller through the lens of adolescent friendship.

Sorkin’s decision to direct her own script is another notable aspect of the project. While many first-time directors collaborate with experienced screenwriters, Sorkin’s dual role suggests a strong, singular vision for the film. Her background in writing likely informed the project’s development from the outset, allowing her to maintain creative control over both the narrative and its visual execution. This approach is increasingly common among emerging filmmakers, who often seek to preserve the integrity of their stories in an industry that can be resistant to unconventional voices.

What’s Next for Hot Year?

With production set to begin in May 2026, Hot Year is still in the early stages of its journey to the screen. No official release date has been announced, though the film’s indie status suggests it may follow a festival circuit route before securing a wider theatrical or streaming release. Given the talent involved and the project’s thematic resonance, it is likely to generate buzz at major film festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, or Tribeca, where it could attract distributors and critical attention.

For audiences, the film’s premise offers a compelling blend of psychological tension and emotional depth, with the added intrigue of Sprouse and Newton’s reunion. The combination of a strong ensemble cast, a fresh directorial voice, and a timely narrative makes Hot Year one of the more anticipated indie thrillers of the year. As production ramps up, industry observers will be watching closely to see how Sorkin’s vision translates on screen, and whether the film can deliver on its promise of a gripping, character-driven thriller.

In the meantime, fans of Sprouse, Newton, and Reid can look forward to seeing the trio tackle a story that diverges significantly from their previous work. For Sprouse, in particular, Hot Year represents an opportunity to further distance himself from his early roles and cement his status as a versatile actor capable of navigating both mainstream and indie projects. As the film moves into production, it will undoubtedly attract further attention, both for its cast and its ambitious storytelling.