Hoeferle & Campbell Skate Into a 2027 'Fake Skating' Twist

Sony Pictures, in partnership with Will Gluck’s Olive Bridge Entertainment, has announced that Amélie Hoeferle and Graham Campbell will play the leads in a film adaptation of Lynn Painter’s bestselling young‑adult novel *Fake Skating*.

The picture, slated for a summer 2027 release, follows childhood sweethearts reunited in their hockey‑loving hometown who fake a romance that unexpectedly warms real feelings.

The project was greenlit after Sony acquired the rights to the novel. Josh Boone has been tapped to direct and co‑write the screenplay with Knate Lee, while Morgan Lehmann and Victoria Bata drafted the first script, with revisions handled by Boone and Lee.

## Background & Context

Lynn Painter’s rise to literary prominence began with her 2021 debut *Better Than the Movies*, a heartfelt exploration of first love that immediately resonated with teenage readers.

Since then, she has crafted a series of YA novels—*The Do‑Over*, *Betting on You*, *Maid For Each Other*, *First and Forever*, *Nothing Like the Movies*—each weaving humor, heartbreak, and relatable coming‑of‑age dilemmas. *Fake Skating* was released in September 2025 to an avalanche of praise, selling nearly 500,000 copies in its first year and holding the No. 1 spot on the New York Times YA Hardcover Bestseller list for 15 weeks.

Its translation into 16 languages and win of the 2025 Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction underscore Painter’s global reach.

The novel’s blend of sport, romance, and a touch of fantasy (the “fake” skating that turns real) has attracted attention beyond the reading community. In addition to *Fake Skating*, Netflix is developing a film adaptation of *Better Than the Movies*, directed by Julia Hart and starring David Iacono and Beatrice Kitsos.

Will Gluck and Jacqueline Monetta are producing, Madison Jones is executive‑producing for Olive Bridge Entertainment, and Painter will serve as an executive producer on the *Fake Skating* project.

This convergence of platforms signals a strategic push to capture the lucrative YA demographic across streaming, theatrical, and ancillary markets.

## Production and Casting Process

Sony first reported interest in the book in March and moved quickly to secure Boone after learning he was “high on the project.” Boone’s track record with *The Last Full Measure* and *Cinderella Man*—both films that celebrated sports heroes—made him an ideal fit for a hockey‑centric tale.

After the greenlight, Boone spent the remainder of the summer testing actors for its two leads. The audition process spanned over 200 hopefuls, with directors seeking a chemistry that could carry both the lightness of a “fake” romance and the emotional weight of true love.

Amélie Hoeferle emerged as the definitive choice for the role of Claire, a former star skater who returns to her hometown to rekindle an old flame. Hoeferle is best known for her role in the Prime Video young‑adult series *Sterling Point* and has appeared in *Eddington* and *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*.

Her ability to portray vulnerability and determination matched Painter’s original character arc, and her willingness to learn actual skating techniques impressed Boone.

Graham Campbell, cast as Alex, brings a fresh perspective to the role of a young coach with a secret past. Campbell gained attention in the Tony‑winning play *Appropriate* opposite Sarah Paulson and has recent work in FX’s *The Shards* and the film *Late Fame*, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was released by Magnolia.

His stage discipline and on‑screen presence allowed him to navigate the nuanced balance between a “fake” relationship and genuine emotion.

Both actors are represented by top agencies—Hoeferle by Gersh, Affimative Entertainment, The Lede Company, and Jackoway Austen;

Campbell by CAA, Anonymous Content, The Lede Company, and Jackoway Austen—ensuring that their careers will be guided with strategic insight as the film moves forward.

## Fan Reaction

From the moment Sony announced the adaptation, fans flooded social media with excitement. Teen forums such as “Young Adult Readers” and “Bookish Binge” celebrated the pairing of Hoeferle and Campbell, noting that their real‑world chemistry in early trailers felt authentic.

A popular Reddit thread quoted a reader: “The way they play off each other reminds me of the best YA duos—there’s a genuine spark that makes me want to see them on ice.” Meanwhile, long‑time followers of Painter’s work praised the decision to keep her as an executive producer, believing it would safeguard the novel’s voice in the cinematic version.

The buzz extended beyond fans. Influential YA authors and bloggers highlighted the film as a benchmark for future adaptations, . Many viewers also expressed anticipation for the “sport‑centric” aspect, noting that hockey dramas like *Miracle* have historically performed well in the summer box office.

## Industry Impact

Sony’s move to adapt *Fake Skating* reflects a broader industry trend of prioritizing YA narratives that blend romance with sports—a formula that has proven profitable. By tapping into the 18‑to‑34 demographic, Sony positions itself to capture audiences who value emotional storytelling and relatable characters.

Will Gluck’s involvement, known for his work on *The Proposal* and *The Perfect Date*, signals a commitment to high‑budget romantic comedies that also push genre boundaries.

the collaboration between Sony Pictures and Olive Bridge Entertainment demonstrates the increasing partnership model where production studios and independent financiers combine resources to mitigate risk.

With Sony’s distribution arm covering theatrical release and potential streaming deals, the project is poised to generate multi‑platform revenue streams. The film also aligns with Sony’s broader strategy of expanding its YA catalog, mirroring its earlier successes with *The Hunger Games* adaptations.

## Release and Next Steps

The film is scheduled to hit theaters in the summer of 2027. Production responsibilities are split between Olive Bridge Entertainment’s Will Gluck and Jacqueline Monetta as producers, Madison Jones as executive producer, and Lynn Painter as executive producer.

Sony’s involvement extends through its distribution arm, while Olive Bridge is represented by UTA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

With *Fake Skating* set for a summer release, the project adds to a growing slate of young‑adult adaptations that blend romance with sports themes. Fans of Painter’s work can anticipate a cinematic rendition that maintains the novel’s emotional core while showcasing the fresh talent of Hoeferle and Campbell.

The film’s arrival is expected to reinforce the viability of YA sports dramas in contemporary cinema and to set a new benchmark for faithful, commercially successful adaptations.