Thriller with Stranger Things star begins filming in Illinois

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Okay, so I just heard some cool news! Jake Connelly, you know, the guy from Stranger Things, is filming a new thriller called Blood on the Ice right here in Illinois. Apparently, it’s the first big American movie from this production company called Mbrella Films, which is based all the way over in Bangkok. Pretty interesting, huh?

The thriller is directed by Justin Hayward and stars Kelli Garner, known for her role in Lars and the Real Girl. Tom Connelly also appears in the film, along with former NFL player Israel Idonije.

Although details are still limited, Variety says the upcoming thriller will be a character-focused story set during a brutal Midwestern winter, and the cold, harsh weather will play a significant role in the plot.

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Adam Pray will produce the project, with Stephen Fletcher and Darren Weninger serving as executive producers.

Pray expressed their excitement about Mbrella Films’ support for the project, noting that films like this are becoming rare. They described Blood on the Ice as a creatively driven and focused film that deeply explores its characters within a captivating environment.

Hayward explained that the film’s story is deeply connected to its setting and the intense circumstances the characters face. He emphasized that the harsh Midwestern winter isn’t merely a visual element, but a powerful force that influences the film’s atmosphere and how the characters behave.

I was really excited to hear from Joshua Dixon, the CEO of Mbrella Films! He said this movie is their first big feature film made here in the US, and they’re hoping it’s the start of lots more collaborations between filmmakers in the US and Thailand. It sounds like they have big plans, which is awesome!

I was really excited to see Caleb Connelly join the cast of Stranger Things for its last season! He’s playing Derek Turnbow, and from what I’ve heard, the character starts out as a typical bully but ends up becoming a real hero. It’s a big role for him, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what he does with it.

Man, Derek quickly became my absolute favorite character on the show. It was all thanks to that legendary line, “suck my fat one” – he dropped it at exactly the right moments and it was hilarious every time!

Before the premiere of season 5, actor Sadie Sink shared with The Wrap that Millie Bobby Brown had offered her some guidance.

So, I was chatting with this young actor, and Brown told me something really cool. He said that everyone on the team was my age when they first started out, and that I could always reach out to them if I needed anything at all. It was super encouraging, honestly.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a vibrant, full-color 100-page magazine celebrating Taylor Swift, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2026-02-03 00:19