Hulu has released the first look at Summer of 69, the latest movie from American High, a Liverpool-based production company. Directed by Jillian Bell, the film is set to explore themes of friendship, self-confidence, and adulthood through the story of a high school senior’s unconventional plan to win the heart of her longtime crush.
Co-written by Bell, Liz Nico, and Jules Byrne, Summer of 69 stars Sam Morelos, known for That ‘90s Show, as the awkward senior who hires an exotic dancer, played by Saturday Night Live star Chloe Fineman. The unlikely duo embarks on a journey filled with wild adventures, ultimately leading to an unexpected friendship and life lessons about self-acceptance and growing up.
Photos released this week show Fineman’s character in various stripper roles, paired with Morelos’ character, as they explore the humorous and heartfelt storyline. The ensemble cast includes Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Paula Pell (Girls5eva), Alex Moffat (SNL), Liza Koshy (A Family Affair), Nicole Byer (Nailed It!), Matt Cornett (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Fernando Carsa (Acapulco), and Natale Morales (Grey’s Anatomy, Parks and Recreation).
Set against the backdrop of Syracuse, the film marks American High’s 20th production shot in the area, following its successful track record of Central New York-based films. Bell, who makes her feature-length directorial debut with Summer of 69, has a notable career as an actress in films such as 22 Jump Street and Brittany Runs a Marathon. Bell previously worked with American High founder Jeremy Garelick on Murder Mystery 2.
According to Bell, the film captures a pivotal time in life when people take risks to figure things out. “It’s about accepting who you are instead of rushing to be something you’re not,” she shared. “These are the good times you look back on and realize that the journey was the most fun part.”
The film will make its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in March and will later stream on Hulu, as part of American High’s first-look deal with the service.
Bell, along with Garelick, Will Phelps, and Molle DeBartolo, serves as a producer, with Axelle Azoulay and Matt Sacca as associate producers. Other contributors to the production include Breanna Bell-Singer, Adam Goodman, Matt Skiena, and Lucas Carter.
While the film’s title is reminiscent of Bryan Adams’ iconic 1980s hit, it’s unclear if there is any connection to the song. The title’s choice—without an apostrophe before the number 69—may hint at a double reference, possibly drawing inspiration from both the iconic song and vehicles from the late 1960s, according to casting calls.
American High, headquartered at Syracuse Studios, has made a significant impact on the Central New York film industry with notable projects such as Plan B, The Binge, and Sex Appeal. Upcoming films from the studio include works starring Kevin James and comedian Matt Rife.
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