Finn Wolfhard, best known for his captivating role in the hit series Stranger Things, has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his career that sees him transition from child actor to writer and director. This leap has been made smoother thanks to the invaluable mentorship he received from acclaimed actor and director Jesse Eisenberg.

Wolfhard, along with his co-writer, co-director, and co-star Billy Bryk, had the opportunity to work closely with Eisenberg on his directorial debut, When You Finish Saving the World, released in 2022. The experience left a lasting impression on Wolfhard, who remarked that the advice he gained from Eisenberg was tremendously beneficial as he navigated his own creative journey. “It was so fascinating to watch him work,” Wolfhard shared in an interview with Yahoo Entertainment. “Something that really stuck with me was how light he was on set and how much of a fun environment he created.”

He further elaborated on the atmosphere, highlighting Eisenberg’s ability to cultivate a playful spirit, even amidst the serious themes often present in filmmaking. “If we ever wanted to joke around or do something funny, he really gave us the time and ability to do that,” Wolfhard continued. “He just wanted it to be fun, even though the movie was often quite serious and there were very dramatic parts.” This approach seems to have influenced Wolfhard’s own directorial style in his latest project.

Eisenberg’s support didn’t end with just words of encouragement; he even made a special visit to the set of Hell of a Summer—Wolfhard and Bryk’s latest venture, a horror comedy that centers around a masked killer targeting unsuspecting summer camp counselors. This visit occurred during a family road trip through Canada. Wolfhard humorously noted, “There’s footage of it somewhere on a handy cam,” indicating that Eisenberg’s involvement was both professional and personal.

Since the inception of the project, Eisenberg has been a steadfast supporter, having read early drafts of the script and expressed enthusiasm for the direction it was taking. Wolfhard recalls that Eisenberg genuinely liked the material, reinforcing the connection between the two artists.

Hell of a Summer is currently showing in theaters and features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Fred Hechinger, Abby Quinn, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Pardis Saremi, Rosebud Baker, and Adam Pally. The film is garnering attention for its unique blend of humor and horror, showcasing Wolfhard and Bryk’s creative vision.

Looking ahead, Wolfhard and Bryk are reportedly working on an exciting reimagining of the 1999 teen cult classic Idle Hands, with seasoned director Jason Reitman set to produce. This upcoming project signals their ambition to explore and redefine existing narratives while continuing to make their mark in the film industry.