Washington [US], April 8 : The much-awaited sports feature 'Smudge the Blades' has added new names to its cast, reported The Hollywood Reporter. Ed Helms, best known for 'The Hangover', has joined 'Reservation Dogs' star Paulina Alexis and Rutherford Falls actor Jana Schmieding in the upcoming film by writer-director Cody Lightning.
As per the publication, the film has begun shooting in Edmonton, Canada, and is expected to release on the 2026 film festival circuit. The film revolves around the story of the Treaty 6 Blades, an under-18 Indigenous hockey team from northern Alberta. The players are in their final year of eligibility and trying to make the most of it in a tough, often violent, local hockey league.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Lightning, who plays a character named Willie Gladue in the sports drama, shared his excitement saying, "Rez hockey in Canada is bigger than high school football in Texas. I'm so honored to have this incredible cast to bring to life the experiences of Indigenous hockey players, on and off the ice."
The film also stars several young Indigenous actors, including Treycen Wuttunnee, Isaiah Kakepetum, River Rayne Thomas, Elijah James Lee Moar, Ezekiel James Mekanek and Tyler Halcrow, who make up the hockey team.
Jana Schmieding plays a hockey mom who becomes the love interest of Lightning's character.
Smudge the Blades is Lightning's second feature film after Hey, Viktor!, a 2023 mockumentary that played at Tribeca and the Toronto International Film Festival. It received three nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards.
The film is co-written by Samuel Miller and produced by Miller, Joshua Jackson, Kyle Thomas, Sara Corry, Hayley Morin, and Dylan Morin. Ed Helms is also one of the executive producers.
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