Matt Cornett, the 27-year-old actor known for his role in Disney’s High School Musical television series, has taken on a new challenge as the romantic lead in Prime Video’s Every Year After. Based on Carley Fortune’s beloved novel Every Summer After the series explores themes of first love, heartbreak, and second chances, all set in the picturesque Canadian lake town of Barry’s Bay.
For Cornett, this role is a significant step forward in his career, marking his first time playing a romantic leading man. He draws inspiration from actors like Ryan Gosling whom he admires deeply. “This is my Ryan Gosling moment,” Cornett enthusiastically shares. His journey from audition to adaptation has been filled with excitement and a deep sense of responsibility to the source material.
From Disney to Romantic Lead
Cornett’s transition from teen roles to more mature characters is evident in Every Year After. The series requires him to portray Sam Florek at different ages, ranging from 15 to 28. This challenge necessitated a new approach to preparation and performance. “Playing multiple ages was a challenge,” Cornett explains. “I had to shift my preparation methods and create a new system for this show.”
The pressure to accurately portray a beloved character was immense. Cornett and his co-stars, Michael Bradway and Sadie S Harris and writer Leila Gerstein to ensure fidelity to the book. “We all had that conversation about how important it was to be as accurate to the book as possible,” Cornett reveals. The team’s dedication to the source material is a testament to their respect for Carley Fortune’s work.
Navigating Fan Expectations
Adapting a book that has garnered a significant following, especially through platforms like BookTok, comes with its own set of challenges. Cornett acknowledges the pressure to meet fan expectations. “Anytime you have a preexisting IP or character that people are so in love with, there’s going to be pressure to create it perfectly,” he says. To better understand Sam Florek, Cornett watched fan edits on TikTok and engaged in conversations with the show’s writers and the author herself.
Meeting Carley Fortune was a pivotal moment for Cornett. “I remember the day I met Carley. We were so nervous,” he admits. Fortune’s approval of his portrayal of Sam gave him the confidence to fully embody the character. “She felt like all of us captured, in her heart, who Sam, Charlie, and Percy were,” Cornett shares. This validation was crucial as they delved deeper into the filming process.
Bringing Sam Florek to Life
Cornett’s journey with Every Year After began with a simple yet profound realization. “The second I read the book, I thought, ‘There’s nothing about this that I could ever possibly say no to,'” he recalls. His love for the story and the character drove him to immerse himself in the material. “I drove to a bookstore about 45 minutes away, and I was like, ‘OK, let me find this. I wonder if they have it,'” he shares, highlighting his eagerness to connect with the source material.
The series also features Elisha Cuthbert as Sue Florek, adding another layer of depth to the story. Cuthbert’s portrayal of the mother figure brings a sense of authenticity and warmth to the narrative. “I’ve come a long way from playing teenagers to now playing the mother,” Cuthbert notes. Her performance resonates with the themes of family and connection that are central to Every Year After.
Every Year After is a testament to the power of storytelling and the emotional resonance of well-crafted characters. As Cornett and his co-stars bring these beloved characters to life, they honor the source material while adding their unique interpretations. The series promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and redemption.
