Finn Wolfhard, best known for his role in “Stranger Things,” recently opened up about the challenges he faced due to his age while working on his directorial debut in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The 22-year-old actor shared his experience of writing and directing the horror-comedy film “Hell of a Summer,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2023.
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During the interview, Wolfhard revealed that embarking on his directorial journey at just 16 years old presented its unique set of obstacles. He candidly admitted, “It was a long process…but we were lucky enough to have amazing people behind us and producers that really believed in us as filmmakers.” Despite facing moments where he felt his age may not be taken seriously, Wolfhard persisted and saw his debut project come to fruition.
As Wolfhard reflected on his first-time experience behind the camera, he highlighted the positive aspect of his youth in the filmmaking process. He shared, “Being a teenager, you just had this blind optimism, or blind confidence…being young really helped.” However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges he anticipates in future projects, as he continues to navigate the industry as a young director.
“Hell of a Summer,” co-written and directed by Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, follows a group of camp counselors who must survive a masked killer before the start of summer. The film features a talented cast including Fred Hechinger, Abby Quinn, and Adam Pally. Wolfhard drew inspiration from various horror and comedy influences, such as “Shaun of the Dead” and “Let the Right One In,” to create a unique blend of humour and suspense in his directorial debut.
While Wolfhard has gained recognition as a “Scream King” for his roles in horror and thriller projects like “It” and “The Turning,” he expressed a desire to explore a wide range of genres in his future endeavours. He emphasized the importance of a compelling script and story for his next horror project, stating, “if I were to do another horror movie…I’d probably want it to be pretty insane or just some original, crazy concept.”
As “Hell of a Summer” continues to play in theatres, Finn Wolfhard’s foray into directing marks a significant milestone in his career. Despite the initial challenges tied to his age, Wolfhard’s determination and passion for storytelling have propelled him towards success in both acting and directing realms. Fans can look forward to witnessing his creative evolution and versatile talents in the entertainment industry.