‘Hell of a Summer’ Trailer: Fred Hechinger Tries to Survive a Summer-Camp Serial Killer in Finn Wolfhard’s Directorial Debut

Finn Wolfhard already has his post-“Stranger Things” project: directing.

The “Stranger Things” breakout star makes his directorial debut with ’80s-inspired horror-comedy film “Hell of a Summer,” which he cowrote with co-director Billy Bryk. The duo also appear in the film, which is led by “Nickel Boys” and “Gladiator II” actor Fred Hechinger.

The official synopsis reads: “‘Hell of a Summer’ centers on 24-year-old camp counselor Jason Hochberg (Hechinger), who arrives at Camp Pineway thinking his biggest problem is that he feels out of touch with his teenage co-workers. What he doesn’t know is that a masked killer is lurking on the campgrounds, brutally picking counselors off one by one.”

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Abby Quinn, Pardis Saremi, Rosebud Baker, and Adam Pally also star. Hechinger, Wolfhard, and Bryk all produce the feature, along with Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan, and Jay Van Hoy. The film completed post-production in 2023 before landing at Neon for distribution.

Wolfhard previously told Entertainment Weekly that at age 20, he was met with skepticism from financiers over his ability to direct a feature.

“That’s what everyone said when we tried to get money for this movie,” Wolfhard said. “They’re like, ‘You’re a little young to be directing a movie.’ I’m like, ‘Yep.’”

He added, “Oh my God, they gave money to two kids to make a crazy [movie].’ Not to downplay it, I’m incredibly proud of it, but it was a crazy thing. We’d like to let the film speak for itself. I don’t think age defines filmmaking in any way. I think everyone has stories to tell, and if you have the chance to do it, then do it.”

Wolfhard will also reprise his role for the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” which will debut later this year. “Stranger Things” first aired in July 2016, with the show spanning four years in the town of Hawkins. The final season with include special screenings, in-person experiences, new limited-edition merchandise, and more to mark the conclusion of the viral show.

“Hell of a Summer” premieres April 18 in theaters from Neon. Check out the trailer below.