> At a Glance
> – Youngblood reboot, directed by Hubert Davis, releases March 6 after TIFF premiere
> – Ashton James stars as hockey prodigy Dean Youngblood with Blair Underwood as his father
> – Oscar-nominated director praises James’ two-year training and Underwood’s “incredibly talented” performance
> – Why it matters: The 1986 cult-classic sports film gets a modern update exploring masculinity and family bonds
The first trailer for Youngblood has arrived exclusively via News Of Los Angeles, revealing a fresh take on the 1986 hockey drama. Ashton James leads the cast as rising star Dean Youngblood, skating onto screens March 6.
A Father-Son Story on Ice
Director Hubert Davis reimagines the original tale with a focus on family dynamics and masculinity. Blair Underwood, 61, plays Youngblood’s supportive father, urging his son: “You worked too long and hard for you to let anybody take this from you.”
Coach Shawn Doyle adds fire in the trailer: “If you’re gonna lose, you lose to the best team! Don’t lose to yourself!”
Behind the Scenes
- Training: James spent two years perfecting on-ice skills
- Legacy: Co-writer Charles Officer, former pro player, died in 2023; production honors his memory
- Homage: Davis promises nods to the original while “inverting some of the tropes” of 80s sports films
Director Hubert Davis explains:
> “I really wanted the hockey scenes to stand out, so we spent a lot of time working on those sequences.”
Ashton James hopes audiences embrace the update:
> “Fans, old and new, are in for something special. I hope they see it on the biggest screen possible.”
Cast and Crew
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Dean Youngblood | Ashton James |
| Father | Blair Underwood |
| Coach | Shawn Doyle |
| Supporting cast | Alexandra McDonald, Henri Picard, Emidio Lopes, Olunike Adelyi, Tamara Podemski, Keris Hope Hill, Donald MacLean Jr., Joris Jarsky, Allan Hawco |
Co-writers include Josh Epstein, Kyle Rideout, Seneca Aaron, and the late Charles Officer. Well Go USA distributes the film following its 2025 Toronto International Film Festival premiere.
Key Takeaways
- Youngblood reboot premieres in theaters March 6
- Ashton James trained rigorously to embody a hockey phenom
- Blair Underwood anchors the emotional father-son storyline
- Director Hubert Davis blends fresh energy with 1986 cult-classic nostalgia
