Four acclaimed actresses star in 'Hot Curlers,' a New Zealand comedy inspired by a true story, as reported by Variety.
Oscar nominee June Squibb, alongside Linda Hamilton, Caroline Aaron, and Jayne Eastwood, will star in the upcoming New Zealand sports comedy Hot Curlers. This project was confirmed by Variety on September 8, 2026. Hot Curlers is inspired by a true story and will see Cornerstone Pictures handling worldwide sales for the film.
Hot Curlers follows the journey of four young curlers from the small town of Naseby, New Zealand, as they pursue their dream of competing in the Winter Olympics. Faced with financial uncertainty, the team finds themselves living in a retirement home during their training in Calgary, Canada. This unique setting creates a heartwarming narrative where the young players connect with the home’s residents, discovering the importance of community over competition.
In addition to Squibb and Hamilton, the film features Jayne Eastwood and Caroline Aaron, both known for their impressive contributions to film and television. Also starring is George Ferrier, noted for roles in Juniper and The Hunting Wives. The diverse talents of these actors are expected to bring depth to the film’s themes of belonging and friendship, further enriching the comedic and heartfelt elements of the storyline.
Hot Curlers is produced by Kelly Martin from South Pacific Pictures, with David White and Anna Taylor co-writing the screenplay. The project is currently gearing up for production in New Zealand and Calgary in early 2027, while Madman Entertainment has already secured distribution rights for Australia and New Zealand, alongside Mongrel Media's acquisition for Canada.
As noted in Variety, the film will launch its sales at the Toronto International Film Festival, a key event for the film industry that provides excellent exposure for new projects.
The combination of humor and poignant life lessons that Hot Curlers is set to deliver has the potential to appeal to a wide audience. With themes revolving around underdog perseverance and unlikely friendships, the film aims to resonate beyond its New Zealand setting, reflecting universal values. The presence of well-established actresses along with an intriguing premise signifies a promising addition to the comedy genre in cinema.
What remains to be seen is how audiences will respond to this unique story as it crafts connections across generations. The production's links with notable talent could enhance its visibility and success within the increasingly competitive film market.
For further updates on new films, fans can check out our reports, such as Javier Bardem discusses ‘Bunker’ at Venice and new developments with the Manningcast.
With principal photography set to begin soon, Hot Curlers is fast-tracking its journey from script to screen, and more announcements regarding cast and crew may follow as the production develops. The film is one to watch as it enters the festival circuit, potentially capturing the hearts of viewers and marking another notable addition to the sports comedy repertoire.
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