Get ready for a wild ride, comedy fans! On May 2, 2025, Variety announced that Billy Magnussen (Road House), Ella Purnell (Fallout), and Ariana Greenblatt (Barbie) are teaming up for Hot Ted, a teen serial killer comedy directed by Saturday Night Live alum Hannah Levy in their feature directorial debut. With Protagonist Pictures launching worldwide sales at the upcoming Cannes Film Market, this film is already generating major buzz for its fresh spin on the genre. Here’s why Hot Ted is shaping up to be the chaotic, hilarious teen flick we didn’t know we needed.
A Killer Premise with a Twist
Hot Ted follows Zoe (Greenblatt), a true-crime podcast junkie who’s shipped off to Shady Pines Camp for the summer by her parents. When camp counselor Liz mysteriously vanishes, head counselor Amy (Purnell) claims it’s just a “family emergency.” Zoe’s not buying it, though, and her suspicions zero in on fellow counselor Ted (Magnussen), whom she’s convinced is behind Liz’s disappearance.
Described as “‘Mean Girls’ meets ‘American Psycho,’” the film, written by Grace McLeod, promises a psychosexual thriller vibe with a darkly comedic edge, capturing the awkward, cringey transition from adolescence to adulthood. Director Levy calls it “a reinvention of the camp comedy that speaks to being a teenager right now and always,” and we’re already hooked.
A Star-Studded Cast
The trio of Magnussen, Purnell, and Greenblatt is a match made in comedy heaven. Billy Magnussen, known for his charismatic turns in Lilo & Stitch (2025) and Made for Love, plays the enigmatic Ted, bringing his knack for blending charm with unpredictability. Magnussen, who’s also producing via his HappyBad Bungalow banner, gushed about the project, saying, “We’re fired up to back the razor-sharp voices of Grace McLeod and Hannah Levy in this refreshing project!”
Ella Purnell, hot off her acclaimed roles in Yellowjackets and Fallout, takes on Amy while also stepping up as a producer. Fresh from her executive producer role on the dark comedy Sweetpea, Purnell’s diving deep into Hot Ted’s quirky world, and fans are eager to see her tackle this lighter, campy role. Ariana Greenblatt, who stole scenes as Sasha in Barbie and starred in Now You See Me 3 (set for November 2025), rounds out the leads as Zoe. At just 17, Greenblatt’s already a powerhouse, and her true-crime-obsessed character sounds like the perfect vehicle for her sharp wit and emotional depth.
Behind the Scenes
Hannah Levy, making their big-screen directorial debut after cutting their teeth on SNL, is steering this wild ship. The script by Grace McLeod, repped by Artists First and Gersh, has been praised for its bold, irreverent humor. Protagonist Pictures’ CEO Dave Bishop is all in, calling Hot Ted “sharp, hilarious, and a wildly original spin on the genre” with “instant classic” potential. The production team includes Magnussen, Shane Andries, and Anne Hollister for HappyBad Bungalow, alongside Javier Chapa, Phillip Braun, and Purnell for Mucho Mas Media. Executive producers Morgan Cano-Long, Robert Muñoz, and Protagonist’s Bishop, James Pugh, and George Hamilton round out the crew.
Why It’s Got Everyone Talking
The combo of a teen comedy with serial killer stakes is already raising eyebrows, and the cast’s star power is fueling the hype. Magnussen’s ability to play lovable weirdos, Purnell’s knack for complex characters, and Greenblatt’s rising-star energy make this trio a dream team. Plus, Levy’s SNL pedigree and McLeod’s fresh script suggest Hot Ted could nail the balance of absurd humor and sharp social commentary. As one fan put it on social media, “Ella Purnell and Ariana Greenblatt in a teen slasher comedy? Take my money now!”
With filming details and a release date still under wraps, Hot Ted is poised to be a standout at Cannes and a potential breakout hit. Keep an eye on this one—it’s got all the makings of a cult classic that’ll have us laughing, cringing, and maybe even checking under the bed. Stay tuned for more updates as this killer comedy takes shape!
Sources: Variety, Yahoo News
