Jake Connelly Cast in Thriller Blood on the Ice
Jake Connelly, the 14-year-old actor who portrayed the beloved character Derek Turnbow in Stranger Things season five, has secured his first major role since the Netflix series concluded. Connelly is currently filming the thriller Blood on the Ice, where he stars opposite Kelli Garner (The Aviator), Peter DeFaria (Chicago Fire), and Kale Clauson (Killing It).
The film's official synopsis reads: "A woman's solitary ice-fishing trip on a frozen lake takes a sinister turn when her belongings begin to vanish, drawing her into a fight for survival where past demons and real-world threats collide." Filming began in February 2026 in central Illinois, but no official release date has been announced yet.
Director Justin Hayward on the Film's Setting
Director Justin Hayward told Dread Central that the film is "rooted in place and pressure." He added, "The Midwest winter isn't just a backdrop — it actively shapes the film's tone and the characters' decisions."
Connelly Also Attached to Bear Boy
In addition to Blood on the Ice, Connelly has another project in development: Bear Boy, which is currently in pre-production. The film is expected to be a coming-of-age story blending adventure and drama. Connelly is set to play a character named Noah Seed alongside Winslow Fegley (Lyle, Lyle Crocodile) and newcomer Zoe Ziegler.
Derek Turnbow's Role in Stranger Things
Before his breakout role as Derek Turnbow, Connelly had only appeared in a short film called Between the Silence in 2022. In Stranger Things season five, Derek was initially introduced as a rival to Holly Wheeler (played by Nell Fisher) but later became a key ally in the fight against Vecna's plan to destroy the world. Fans embraced the character, affectionately nicknaming him "Dips**t Derek."
Stranger Things is available to watch on Netflix.
