Sofia Black-D’Elia, Carmen Christopher, Jo Firestone, and Gary Richardson Join John Reynolds in Hulu’s Comedy Never Change
Hulu and American High are teaming up for a new comedy titled Never Change, featuring an impressive ensemble led by John Reynolds, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Carmen Christopher, Jo Firestone, and Gary Richardson. The film is currently being shot in Syracuse, New York, making use of American High’s dedicated campus and nearby filming locations. The project is directed by Marty Schousboe, known for Joe Pera Talks with You, and developed from a story he co-created with Reynolds.
The plot centers on the 2005 graduating class of North Meadows High School, whose senior year was cut short when a tornado destroyed half their campus. Now, nearly two decades later, these former classmates—now in their mid-30s—are unexpectedly forced to return home and complete their unfinished high school year. What follows promises to be a comedic mix of nostalgia, awkward reunions, rekindled romances, and long-buried secrets.
Each of the main actors takes on a unique character. Sofia Black-D’Elia plays Katie Cartwright, Carmen Christopher portrays Tedi Mayo, Jo Firestone stars as Amelia Nadler, John Reynolds plays Sunny Football, and Gary Richardson appears as Curtis Eldridge. Together, they form the chaotic group of adults reliving their teenage years under hilariously tragic circumstances.
The film brings together several production powerhouses. It is produced by Jon Watts under Freshman Year, with Nicholas Hatton and Jason Woliner for Swindle, Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps for American High, Billy Rosenberg for All Things Comedy, and Jason Zaro. Molle Debartolo serves as executive producer for American High, while Axelle Azoulay co-produces and Matt Sacca is the associate producer. Both Reynolds and Schousboe are on board as executive producers as well.
The production is being handled by American High, a studio well-known for crafting contemporary high school comedies and dramas that capture the awkwardness and authenticity of youth.
Their previous projects include Big Time Adolescence and The Binge. True to form, Never Change fits right into their mission of creating heartfelt, offbeat stories that “do for this generation what John Hughes did for the audiences of the 1980s.”
As for the cast’s credentials, it’s a lineup packed with talent. Sofia Black-D’Elia, best known for her role in Single Drunk Female, has also appeared in The Night Of, Your Honor, and The Mick, along with film credits in To All the Boys: Always and Forever and Good Burger 2. Carmen Christopher, recently seen in The Bear and English Teacher, also stars in A24’s Friendship with Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, and appeared in Chelsea Peretti’s First Time Female Director.
Jo Firestone gained recognition through Joe Pera Talks with You and Shrill, and has served as head writer on CBS’s After Midnight and Showtime’s Ziwe. John Reynolds, besides acting, is celebrated for his performances in Search Party, Stranger Things, and Yellowjackets, and for films like Horse Girl and Genie. Meanwhile, Gary Richardson—a five-time Emmy nominee—has written and performed on Saturday Night Live, I Think You Should Leave, That Damn Michael Che, and High Maintenance.
Never Change does not yet have an official release date, but it’s set to premiere exclusively on Hulu in the United States and will likely stream internationally on Disney+ through the Hulu on Disney+ integration.
