TIFF to host world premiere of ‘Youngblood’ reimagining, with scenes shot in Barrie

A classic 1980s hockey film is getting a fresh take, with filming already underway and some of the action is unfolding in Barrie. (CTV News/ Julianna Balsamo

“Youngblood,” a Canadian reimagining of the 1986 hockey cult classic that starred Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Keanu Reeves, will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The reboot drama will take a fresh look at the story following a young African American hockey prodigy, Ashton James, while tackling the pressures and toxic culture of the sport.

• ‘Youngblood’ remake brings back 80s hockey drama with filming in Barrie

In February, the crew filmed part of the production at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie, where hockey fans flooded the stands and participated in the fun.

Between periods, cameras captured the crowd in action, with locals stepping in as extras to help bring the on-ice energy to the big screen.

In an exclusive CTV interview in the winter, leading actor James shared how excited he was to get the role. “I called my agent and was like, ‘Please, just get me in the room or something, I’ll do anything. And it somehow came back. I got a call back,” he said.

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Originally set to be directed by Toronto filmmaker Charles Officer before his passing in 2023, the project was taken over by Oscar-nominated Canadian filmmaker and director Hubert Davis, who has worked to honour the vision.

The film is amongst 55 titles in TIFF’s Centerpiece program. It will make its debut on September 6.

TIFF runs from Sept. 4 to 14 in Toronto. To watch the CTV extended interview with scenes shot right her at home, click here.

With files from The Canadian Press.