Full Breakdown
Cole Sprouse Joins Indie Coming-of-Age Revenge Thriller “Hot Year”
4/28/2026, 11:01:24 PM
Film Premise and Setting
Hot Year is an indie coming-of-age revenge thriller set against the eerie backdrop of a small Pacific Northwest town during a relentless heatwave. The plot follows two childhood best friends—Kathryn Newton and Storm Reid—who plot revenge against an ex-boyfriend, a plan that spirals into a violent incident they cannot reverse. The narrative unfolds over a single fever-filled night, forcing the characters to confront buried trauma, loyalty, and identity.
Creative Team and Cast
The film marks the feature-directorial debut of Roxy Sophie Sorkin, who also penned the screenplay. The principal cast includes Cole Sprouse, Kathryn Newton, and Storm Reid, with supporting roles filled by Dove Cameron, J. Smith-Cameron, and Owen Painter. Newton not only stars but also serves as an executive producer, underscoring her expanded involvement in the project.
Production Companies and Personnel
Hot Year is produced by Wagner Entertainment, led by Jordan Wagner, and Killer Films, headed by Christine Vachon. Co-production partners include Entertainment 360 (Evan Silverberg, Dylan Conklin) and Hype Studios (Ilya Stewart). Executive producers are Ryan Hamilton (Wagner Entertainment), Aleksandr Fomin (Hype Studios), and Pavel Burian (Mosaic Films). Co-producers Amanda Larney, George Bicknell, Talia Bella, and Randy Wayne of Rebellium Films manage production services in Oklahoma.
Executive Production Team
Ryan Hamilton will executive produce for Wagner Entertainment, Aleksandr Fomin will executive produce on behalf of Hype Studios, and Pavel Burian will executive produce for Mosaic Films. These executive producers will guide the overall production and coordinate among the multiple production entities.
Production Timeline and Locations
Principal photography is slated to commence in Oklahoma in May 2026. The production will be overseen on-site by Rebellium Films, which will handle local logistics, while Mosaic Films provides executive supervision throughout the shoot.
Official Production Announcements
Deadline reported that Sprouse’s casting was officially confirmed alongside Newton and Reid, expanding the ensemble to include Cameron, Smith-Cameron, and Painter. The announcement highlighted the film’s focus on trauma, loyalty, and identity, and noted Newton’s dual capacity as lead actress and executive producer. No further comments from the director or cast were included.
Industry Significance of “Hot Year”
Hot Year contributes to a rising wave of character-driven indie thrillers that prioritize psychological depth over spectacle. The collaboration of a first-time feature director, a cast of emerging talent, and seasoned indie producers positions the film to attract significant interest upon release, reflecting a broader industry shift toward high-concept storytelling on modest budgets.
Sprouse’s Recent Indie Credits and Representation
Prior to joining Hot Year, Sprouse completed three indie features in 2025—*Wake* (directed by Devon Michaels), *Elastic Hearts* (directed by Milad Schwartz Avaz), and *Vintage Violence* (directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko). He also co-led Amazon’s *Goodbye Girl* opposite Kiernan Shipka and Natalia Dyer. Sprouse is represented by WME, Entertainment 360, and DLA Piper.
