Tubi Announces Release Plans for Indie Comedy ‘Saving Buddy Charles’ About a Road Trip Adventure
Tubi to Premiere Indie Comedy "Saving Buddy Charles" in December
Tubi is set to debut its latest feature, Saving Buddy Charles, an indie road trip comedy, as part of its Creator Showcase initiative. The film will launch on December 16 and will be available exclusively on Tubi for three months.
Written by Jillian Shea Spaeder and directed by Grace Wethor, Saving Buddy Charles is described as “an emotionally rich coming-of-age story that leans into the absurdity of life and serves as a love letter to the friendships that shape us, break us, and ultimately make us who we are.”
The film draws inspiration from the real-life friendship between Spaeder and Wethor, incorporating Wethor’s experiences as a brain cancer survivor. It follows characters Clara and Sydney, portrayed by Analesa Fisher and Spaeder herself, as they embark on a cross-country journey to retrieve a pet lizard from Sydney’s ex-boyfriend before they go their separate ways for college. Clara, however, is hiding a life-altering secret from Sydney.
The cast features digital creators Ariel Martin and Ian Boggs, along with Susan Traylor. Spaeder produced the film in collaboration with David Lyons and Jeremy Walton of Moo Studios and Tom George of Happy Hour Productions, marking her feature debut following her short film The Noise, which addresses mental health themes.
Wethor, an actress, director, and author, gained recognition after delivering a TED Talk at the age of 13 following her brain tumor diagnosis. She was awarded a United Nations Impact Award last year.
The film’s production was first reported in April, highlighting its lead cast, who collectively boast 87 million followers across various social media platforms. This demographic aligns with Tubi For Creators’ mission to elevate new voices and broaden access to Hollywood for up-and-coming talent.
“At Tubi, we champion bold creators, and Saving Buddy Charles perfectly captures the power of authentic friendship, told with energy, humor, and emotional honesty that resonates with younger audiences,” stated Kudzi Chikumbu, VP of Creator Partnerships at Tubi. “It’s been amazing to watch Jillian and Grace evolve as talent over the years, and this film beautifully captures their growth. We’re proud to give them a home where their stories can thrive.”
Spaeder remarked, “Saving Buddy Charles leans into the absurd, because sometimes when life delivers its hardest blows, laughter is the only way to fight back. One moment you’re crying from laughter, and the next you’re laughing through tears.”
Wethor commented on the film’s visual style, saying, “There’s a bright, kinetic road-trip energy that contrasts with quiet, intimate moments where reality settles in. The film blends emotional depth with comedy and centers on the kind of authentic friendship this generation is hungry to see onscreen. I want audiences to walk away feeling like they’ve been on the road with Clara and Sydney—experiencing that fleeting, electric energy of being young and invincible, even when faced with vulnerabilities.”
Spaeder is represented by More Medavoy Management and CESD; Wethor by Authentic Talent & Literary, Jackoway Austen Tyerman, and EAA; Fisher by Entertainment 360, CESD, and Vox; Martin by Avenue Artists Management; and Traylor by Authentic.
