Blair Underwood and Ashton James Star in a Fresh Take on the ’80s Hockey Drama Youngblood
Key Details on *Youngblood*
- Youngblood, featuring Ashton James as a promising hockey player, hits theaters on March 6.
- PEOPLE has debuted the exclusive trailer for the film directed by Hubert Davis.
- Davis commends James’ hockey abilities and describes co-star Blair Underwood, who plays his father, as “incredibly talented.”
In the upcoming film *Youngblood*, starring Ashton James and Blair Underwood, a father-son duo navigates significant challenges. Directed by Hubert Davis, the film reimagines the 1986 classic that originally featured Rob Lowe, Cynthia Gibb, and Patrick Swayze.
In the exclusive trailer, Underwood’s character tells his son, “You worked too long and hard for you to let anybody take this from you,” emphasizing the film’s themes of perseverance and determination. Shawn Doyle, who plays Dean’s coach, adds motivational lines, encouraging the hockey players: “If you’re gonna lose, you lose to the best team! Don’t lose to yourself!”
Blair Underwood in Youngblood.
Courtesy of Well Go USA
James, who also stars in the upcoming film *Boxcutter*, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The film builds on what people loved about the original through a fresh energy that hits differently. I think fans, old and new, are in for something special.”
Director Hubert Davis believes that fans of the original *Youngblood* will appreciate the homage to the classic film, stating, “There’s a lot of the movie we pay homage to.” He added that he was drawn to the script for its fresh take on ’80s tropes and the exploration of masculinity in sports.
Ashton James in Youngblood.
Courtesy of Well Go USA
*Youngblood* is co-written by Josh Epstein, Kyle Rideout, Seneca Aaron, and Charles Officer, who passed away in 2023. James reflected on the emotional significance of working with Davis, stating, “The last time I saw Charles was at a TIFF screening of Hubert’s film *Black Ice*, so stepping onto set with Hubert felt like a full-circle moment.”
According to Davis, James dedicated two years to meticulous training for his role. “Ashton worked extremely hard on the physical aspects of becoming this talented young hockey player,” he noted. The director emphasized the effort put into the hockey scenes, hoping that audiences not only enjoy the on-ice action but also connect with the film’s characters.
Youngblood.
Well Go USA
The film features a diverse cast that includes Alexandra McDonald, Henri Picard, Emidio Lopes, Olunike Adelyi, Tamara Podemski, Keris Hope Hill, Donald MacLean Jr., Joris Jarsky, and Allan Hawco. Davis reiterated the film’s core theme, describing it as a story about the relationship between a father and son, and affirmed Underwood’s crucial role in grounding the narrative.
Following its premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, *Youngblood* will be released in theaters on March 6.
