Summer camp just got deadlier. Hell of a Summer, the upcoming horror-comedy that blends bloody scares with biting humor, arrives in theaters on April 4, 2025, promising a fresh twist on slasher nostalgia. Set at a lakeside retreat where partying counselors face an unexpected guest—a masked killer with a grudge—the film delivers equal parts laughs and screams. Directed by rising horror talents and packed with Gen Z star power, Hell of a Summer is poised to become the cult hit of the year.
Leading the charge is an ensemble of breakout actors and established names, including Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard and The White Lotus’ Fred Hechinger, who bring wit and vulnerability to their roles. From chaotic hookups to brutal showdowns, each character fights to survive the ultimate summer getaway gone wrong. Whether you’re here for the kills, the chemistry, or the satire of campy horror tropes, Hell of a Summer is your ticket to a wild, blood-soaked ride.
Hell of a Summer: Cast & Roles
1- Fred Hechinger as Jason
Fred Hechinger continues his meteoric rise with Hell of a Summer, bringing his signature blend of dry humor and emotional depth to the role of Jason. Known for scene-stealing performances in The White Lotus and Pam & Tommy, Hechinger perfectly captures Jason’s transformation from cynical observer to determined survivor. His ability to deliver both laugh-out-loud moments and gut-wrenching vulnerability makes Jason one of the film’s most compelling characters.
Off-screen, Hechinger has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors, balancing indie projects with major studio films. His preparation for Hell of a Summer included studying classic slasher films to understand how to subvert genre expectations while honoring what makes them great. Fans can expect Hechinger to bring fresh energy to the horror-comedy space with this performance.
2- Finn Wolfhard as Chris
Finn Wolfhard returns to his horror roots with Hell of a Summer, showcasing the comedic timing and emotional range that made him a household name in Stranger Things. As Chris, Wolfhard gets to flex both his scream-queen credentials and his knack for physical comedy, creating a character who’s equally hilarious and heartbreaking. His natural chemistry with the ensemble cast adds to the film’s authentic summer-camp vibe.
Beyond acting, Wolfhard has been making waves as a musician and director, proving his versatility as an artist. His deep love for horror films informs his performance in Hell of a Summer, where he balances homage to the genre with fresh, contemporary energy. This role may well cement Wolfhard’s status as a new-generation horror icon.
3- D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Mike
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai brings his Reservation Dogs intensity to Hell of a Summer, delivering a performance that’s both physically commanding and emotionally nuanced. As Mike, Woon-A-Tai gets to showcase his action chops while exploring the character’s complex backstory. His presence adds gravitas to the film’s more dramatic moments without sacrificing the fun.
The young actor has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most exciting new talents, with critics praising his ability to balance comedy and drama. For Hell of a Summer, Woon-A-Tai trained extensively to perform many of his own stunts, adding authenticity to Mike’s fight for survival. His performance is sure to be one of the film’s standout elements.
4- Billy Bryk as Bobby
Billy Bryk steals nearly every scene he’s in as Bobby, the camp troublemaker whose antics provide much of the film’s comic relief. Known for his work in The Kid Detective, Bryk brings a manic energy to the role that makes Bobby simultaneously endearing and exasperating. His impeccable timing ensures that even in the film’s tensest moments, Bobby gets laughs.
Bryk’s background in improv comedy shines through in his performance, with many of Bobby’s best lines reportedly coming from on-set improvisation. The actor’s ability to find humor in even the most dire situations makes Bobby a character audiences will love to watch, even as they fear for his survival.
5- Abby Quinn as Claire
Abby Quinn delivers one of Hell of a Summer’s most surprising performances as Claire, the camp’s perfectionist counselor. Quinn, known for Mad About You and Landline, expertly portrays Claire’s unraveling as the horrific events unfold. Her ability to shift from comedy to terror on a dime makes Claire’s journey one of the film’s most compelling arcs.
The actress has been building an impressive resume of complex female characters, and Claire continues that trend. Quinn reportedly spent time with real summer camp counselors to prepare for the role, bringing authenticity to Claire’s initial competence and subsequent breakdown. Her performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of how different personalities respond to trauma.
6- Pardis Saremi as Demi
Pardis Saremi brings mystery and magnetism to the role of Demi, the camp outsider with possible connections to the unfolding horror. Known for The Sex Lives of College Girls, Saremi keeps audiences guessing about Demi’s true nature throughout the film. Her performance walks a perfect line between suspicious and sympathetic.
Saremi’s background in both comedy and drama serves her well in this role, allowing her to navigate Hell of a Summer’s tonal shifts with ease. The actress has spoken about how much she enjoyed playing a character with so many layers, and that complexity comes through in every scene. Demi may well become one of the film’s most talked-about characters.
7- Rosebud Baker
Stand-up comedian Rosebud Baker makes her feature film debut in Hell of a Summer, bringing her signature wit to an undisclosed role. Baker’s background in comedy ensures her character will deliver some of the film’s most memorable lines, while her natural screen presence makes her instantly compelling.
Baker has been open about how different she found film acting from stand-up, but early reports suggest she’s a natural. Her casting adds another layer of comedic talent to an already stacked ensemble, and her performance could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.
8- Matthew Finlan as Ezra
Matthew Finlan brings sensitivity and depth to the role of Ezra, the camp’s artistic soul. Known for Teenage Bounty Hunters, Finlan captures Ezra’s romantic nature and growing terror with equal skill. His chemistry with the rest of the cast adds emotional weight to the film’s more dramatic moments.
Finlan has quickly made a name for himself as an actor who can balance humor and pathos, and Hell of a Summer gives him plenty of opportunities to showcase both. His preparation for the role included studying how fear affects different people, resulting in a performance that feels authentic and raw.
9- Julia Doyle as Miley
Julia Doyle lights up the screen as Miley, the camp’s eternal optimist. Fresh off The Summer I Turned Pretty, Doyle brings sunshine energy to the role that makes Miley’s potential fate all the more heartbreaking. Her performance captures the character’s infectious enthusiasm and underlying strength.
Doyle has spoken about how much she enjoyed playing against type in Hell of a Summer, trading her usual dramatic roles for something more comedic. The contrast between Miley’s bubbly personality and the film’s dark events creates some of its most memorable moments.
10- Krista Nazaire as Shannon
Krista Nazaire brings toughness and heart to the role of Shannon, the camp’s most physically capable counselor. Known for The Equalizer, Nazaire gets to showcase both her action skills and dramatic range in the film. Shannon emerges as one of the group’s most formidable members when the killing begins.
Nazaire trained extensively for the role’s physical demands, performing many of her own stunts. Her performance adds an exciting action element to the film, with Shannon’s fight scenes reportedly being among its most intense moments.
11- Julia Lalonde as Noelle
Julia Lalonde completes the ensemble as Noelle, whose quiet demeanor hides unexpected depths. The Ginny & Georgia actress brings subtlety to the role, making Noelle’s moments in the spotlight all the more powerful. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast feels authentic and lived-in.
Lalonde has spoken about how much she enjoyed exploring Noelle’s complexity, playing a character who defies easy categorization. Her performance adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling ensemble.
