Canadian actor Jared Abrahamson, best known for his role in Fear the Walking Dead, is set to star in the upcoming hockey drama Hello Destroyer, the first feature-length film by director Kevan Funk. The film tells the story of a young hockey player whose life changes forever after an act of violence during a game. As he struggles with the consequences, the character’s journey highlights the hidden pressures of competitive sports and the systemic issues surrounding aggression in the game.
The project brings together a talented cast, including Joe Buffalo, Sara Canning, Ben Cotton, Max Haynes, Darren Mann, Paul McGillion, Phil Prajoux, Kurt Max Runte, Ian Tracey, and newcomer Shane Leydon. Production is currently underway in Prince George, British Columbia, giving the film an authentic backdrop that reflects its strong Canadian hockey roots.
Hello Destroyer is being produced by Haydn Wazelle of Tabula Dada Productions and Daniel Domachowski of Type One, with Christine Haebler and Trish Dolman serving as executive producers. Kevan Funk, already respected for his short films, brings a proven track record to the project. His work has been recognized at the Toronto International Film Festival, where his films Bison, Yellowhead, A Fine Young Man, and Destroyer have been screened. Yellowhead won a Special Jury Prize at TIFF, A Fine Young Man earned the title of Best Short Film at the 2011 Melbourne International Film Festival, and Destroyer laid the foundation for Hello Destroyer.
Abrahamson’s career has been building momentum with a variety of roles. He recently completed filming on the indie drama Hollow in the Land, starring alongside Dianna Agron and Shawn Ashmore. He will also appear in the psychological thriller Detour with Tye Sheridan and Bel Powley, and in the Joel Silver-produced thriller Home Invasion alongside Bella Thorne. These projects reflect his ability to take on intense and complex characters, making him a strong fit for the emotional demands of Hello Destroyer.
While the story is fictional, it touches on real issues facing the sport. Hockey, long celebrated in Canada, has faced criticism for a culture that can sometimes tolerate or even encourage aggressive behavior. The film uses the main character’s struggle to show the personal cost of this environment, exploring themes of guilt, isolation, and the pressure to conform to team expectations. It also examines how players, coaches, and institutions respond to incidents of violence, and how those responses can shape an athlete’s life both on and off the ice.
With public conversations about player safety, sportsmanship, and mental health growing louder in recent years, Hello Destroyer arrives at an important moment. The film is expected to resonate with viewers who care about sports culture, as well as those drawn to powerful human stories. Director Kevan Funk’s commitment to authenticity, combined with Jared Abrahamson’s ability to convey depth and vulnerability, suggests the result will be a compelling and thought-provoking drama.
Shooting in Prince George adds an extra layer of realism, as the city is known for its strong hockey heritage. The production’s setting, along with its focus on the emotional side of the sport, could make the film stand out on the festival circuit and in streaming releases. Early industry buzz already points to Hello Destroyer as a project to watch.
For Abrahamson, this role is another significant step in his growing career. His past performances have shown an ability to balance strength and sensitivity, qualities that will be essential in portraying a character caught between the love of the game and the trauma of a violent moment. With its timely subject, experienced creative team, and talented cast, Hello Destroyer has the potential to spark conversations and leave a lasting impression when it reaches audiences.
