Introduction
Netflix is adding a heartfelt new original to its lineup with Don’t Say Good Luck, a teen musical drama that follows the emotional journey of a 15-year-old girl facing her mother’s terminal illness. Blending theater, friendship, grief, and personal transformation, this coming-of-age story is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
With Sunny Sandler in the lead role, a talented supporting cast, and an award-winning creative team behind the camera, Don’t Say Good Luck promises to strike a deep chord with audiences of all ages.
What Is Don’t Say Good Luck About?
The story follows Sophie Birenbaum, a high school sophomore and passionate theater student who lands the lead role in her school’s fall musical. But just as rehearsals begin, Sophie receives life-altering news—her mother has terminal cancer.
Caught between the excitement of performing and the sorrow of impending loss, Sophie must find a way to balance her emotions, friendships, and growing self-awareness. As her best friend pursues a new love interest and rehearsals intensify, Sophie discovers what it means to live fully even in the face of heartbreak.
Don’t Say Good Luck captures the bittersweet nature of adolescence and the power of art to heal, inspire, and connect.
Who’s in the Cast?
- Sunny Sandler as Sophie Birenbaum
- Melanie Lynskey
- Max Greenfield
- Stephanie Beatriz
- Bebe Neuwirth
- Steve Buscemi
With both rising stars and seasoned actors on board, the ensemble promises emotional depth and memorable performances.
Creative Team Behind the Film
Don’t Say Good Luck is helmed by acclaimed director Julia Hart, known for films like Stargirl and Fast Color. She co-wrote the screenplay alongside Laura Hankin and Jordan Horowitz.
The production is a collaboration between:
- Netflix Studios
- Happy Madison Productions (Adam Sandler’s company)
- Original Headquarters
- Range Studios
Producers include Adam Sandler, Julia Hart, Jordan Horowitz, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Allen Covert.
Production Timeline and Filming Locations
- Start of Filming: June 25, 2025
- Expected Wrap: August 13, 2025
- Filming Locations: New Jersey, including Jersey City and Cranford
The production is currently underway, utilizing local schools and neighborhoods to create an authentic high school setting for the story’s musical backdrop.
Meet the Casting Directors: Rori Bergman and Karlee Fomalont
Casting for Don’t Say Good Luck is led by the accomplished duo Rori Bergman and Karlee Fomalont, both of whom bring high-level expertise to the film’s emotionally charged story.
Rori Bergman
Rori Bergman is known for curating casts that balance vulnerability and complexity. Her credits include:
- The Americans (2013)
- The Get Down (2016)
- Private Life (2018)
Her casting sensibility is grounded in character-driven drama, which makes her a perfect fit for this coming-of-age musical.
Karlee Fomalont
Karlee Fomalont, CSA, is a Tisch-trained casting director who began her career with CBS and ABC before transitioning to independent casting. Her past work includes:
- The Post (2017)
- Numerous network pilots and feature films
With a background in acting and casting, Fomalont brings a balanced, performer-focused approach to the process—crucial for a film centered on teenage performers and raw emotional stakes.
Why This Film Matters
Don’t Say Good Luck is more than a musical—it’s a reflection on the complexity of youth, the pain of letting go, and the beauty of holding on to what matters. For Netflix, this film fills the space between heartwarming family stories and emotionally rich teen dramas.
The use of musical performance to process grief adds another dimension to the film, making it both cathartic and creatively inspiring.
Casting Opportunities – Stay Tuned
As Don’t Say Good Luck continues production, opportunities may still arise for background performers, theater extras, and supporting roles—especially for actors based in the New Jersey area.
To audition for a role, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as casting calls become available.
Whether you’re looking to break into the industry or add a powerful film to your resume, this Netflix production could be your next big opportunity.
