Finn Wolfhard, known for his work in “Stranger Things,” recently opened up about his journey in making his first film, “Hell of a Summer.” In an exclusive interview, the 22-year-old actor shared some behind-the-scenes challenges he faced while writing, directing, and starring in the horror-comedy, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2023.
Wolfhard began working on the project when he was just 16 years old. Reflecting on the arduous process, he admitted, “It was a long journey… I don’t know how we got through it.” He often felt that some industry veterans didn’t take him seriously due to his age, but he credited his team of supportive producers for believing in his vision.
The film follows a group of camp counselors who must evade a masked killer determined to take them out one by one. Wolfhard and co-writer Billy Bryk infused the movie with influences from both horror and comedy, citing classics like “Shaun of the Dead” as an inspiration for its mix of humor and thrilling moments.
Despite the early skepticism he faced, Wolfhard remains optimistic about his future in filmmaking. He acknowledged that being young gave him a sense of confidence that helped him push through obstacles that came his way. “When you’re a teenager, you keep sending scripts out without thinking too much about the potential rejections,” he said.
Nonetheless, he is aware that as he moves forward, he might still encounter skepticism from those who see him as a newcomer in the industry. “I think it gets easier over time, but I know I will have to keep proving myself,” he explained.
As a self-proclaimed “Scream King,” Wolfhard feels at home in the horror genre, having starred in several successful projects. However, he expressed a desire to explore other genres as well, emphasizing the importance of compelling stories and innovative concepts.
“Hell of a Summer” is currently showing in theaters and is a testament to Wolfhard’s dedication and passion for filmmaking.
