Exciting Reboot of ‘Youngblood’ in the Works with Aircraft Pictures and Dolphin Entertainment!

Exciting news! A new version of the 1986 hockey drama Youngblood is in the works. Oscar and Emmy-nominated production companies Aircraft Pictures and Dolphin Entertainment are collaborating to bring this reboot to life. Filming has kicked off in Hamilton and Barrie, Canada, under the direction of Hubert Davis, known for his works like The Well and Black Ice.

The story follows Dean Youngblood, a talented hockey player who joins the Hamilton Mustangs. As he navigates the challenges on the ice, he must also confront toxic behavior around him, as well as his own inner struggles, to realize his full potential in the sport. The original film, which has gained a bit of a cult following, featured stars like Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Keanu Reeves in his first movie role. However, they won’t be returning for this update.

Ashton James will portray Dean Youngblood, joined by a strong supporting cast including Blair Underwood as his father, Shawn Doyle as Coach Chadwick, and Alexandra McDonald as Jessie Chadwick. Other cast members include Henri Picard, Donald MacLean Jr., Olunike Adeliyi, Emidio Lopes, and Tamara Podemski, along with teammates played by Jonathan Valvano, Ty Neckar, Dylan Hawco, and Alexei Morita.

Director Hubert Davis shared his vision for the film, explaining that it’s more than just a nod to 80s films. He aims to re-examine ideas about masculinity through the experience of Dean Youngblood, highlighting the complexities of Black masculinity within the competitive world of hockey.

This new Youngblood is based on a script by Josh Epstein, Kyle Rideout, Seneca Aaron, and the late Charles Officer. It will be distributed in Canada by Photon Films, with executive producers from Dolphin and Photon participating in the project. Anthony Leo and Andrew Rosen from Aircraft will produce, while Christopher V. Nelson acts as a hockey consultant to ensure authenticity.

Hubert Davis, who has gained recognition for his powerful storytelling, previously directed the short film Hardwood, which earned nominations for both an Academy Award and an Emmy. His documentary Black Ice, which delves into the experiences of Black hockey players in Canada, won the People’s Choice Documentary Award at TIFF and was recognized as one of the top Canadian films of 2022. His latest work, an eco-thriller called The Well, is set for global distribution by XYZ Films.