Full Breakdown
Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno Star in Young Adult Romance "Chasing Red"
11/26/2025, 12:46:03 AM
Overview of "Chasing Red"
Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno are set to headline the upcoming young adult romance film "Chasing Red," adapted from the popular Wattpad webnovel by Isabelle Ronin. Directed by Mackenzie Munro, the screenplay is penned by Lauren Schacher, with production led by Greg Silverman and Grant Torre of Stampede Ventures, alongside David Madden and Jason Goldberg of Webtoon Productions.
Plot Synopsis
In "Chasing Red," Petsch portrays Veronica, a diligent student who is resolute in avoiding the charms of college heartthrob Caleb, played by Casalegno. Their paths cross unexpectedly, igniting a powerful attraction that complicates Veronica's intentions. As she grapples with a troubled past and finds herself moving into Caleb's home, the narrative unfolds with themes of love and betrayal, promising a slow-burn romance filled with secrets.
Production and Distribution
Mister Smith Entertainment is managing international sales for "Chasing Red," securing distribution deals across various regions. Amazon Prime Video has acquired rights for the U.K., Canada, Australia/New Zealand, France, and Benelux, while Capelight has obtained rights for Germany. Additional deals include Leone Film Group for Italy, Sun/Diamond for Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa, and Svensk for Scandinavia.
Background and Context
"Chasing Red" is notable for being Wattpad's second most-read English-language title, boasting 261 million online reads. The story has also been adapted into a Webtoon webcomic, which has garnered 24 million views, and has been published as both a print novel by Sourcebooks and a graphic novel by Webtoon Unscrolled. This follows the success of Wattpad's "After" series, which was transformed into a five-film franchise grossing $168 million globally.
Key Figures in the Production
Mackenzie Munro, who previously directed the independently financed romantic comedy "Boot Camp" (2024) and the 2021 film "Salvation," takes the helm of this project. Petsch is represented by CAA, Mosaic, The Lede Company, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, while Casalegno is represented by Bold Agency, UTA, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Vision PR, and Skrzyniarz & Mallean.
Upcoming Projects
Petsch is also known for her role as Cheryl Blossom in the CW series "Riverdale" and has produced and starred in the Amazon romantic comedy "Maintenance Required." She is set to appear in Lionsgate’s "The Strangers," a reboot of the horror franchise, with the third chapter scheduled for release next year. Casalegno, recognized for his role as Jeremiah Fisher in Amazon Prime Video’s "The Summer I Turned Pretty," will next feature in the thriller "The Devil’s Mouth," directed by Jeff Wadlow.
Conclusion
"Chasing Red" is poised to capture the attention of young adult audiences, blending themes of romance and personal struggle, while leveraging the popularity of its source material. With a strong cast and a promising production team, the film is anticipated to make a significant impact upon its release.
