Hubert Davis Brings Charles Officer’s Vision to Life in ‘Youngblood’

Hubert Davis is set to premiere his latest film, Youngblood, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, 2025. This film, a reimagining of the 1986 hockey cult classic, honours the late filmmaker Charles Officer, who had initially envisioned the project. Davis, who previously directed the acclaimed documentary Black Ice, takes on the challenge of translating Officer’s vision into a fictional narrative, marking his first foray into this genre.

Officer, who passed away in 2023, had approached Davis with the idea for a documentary about the experiences of Black players in hockey, emphasizing its significance. “He said, ‘This is really important. I think you should consider it,’” Davis recalled, highlighting the weight of Officer’s words. Their collaboration led to the successful Black Ice, which received the People’s Choice Documentary Award at TIFF.

In Youngblood, Davis captures the essence of Officer’s original concept while flipping the narrative. The film features Ashton James as a Black hockey player who is both a talented scorer and grappling with his temper. This modern interpretation challenges traditional notions of masculinity in sports, a departure from the original film’s focus on fighting as a rite of passage for players.

Officer’s personal experiences as a teen hockey prospect, having been drafted by the Sudbury Wolves, informed the script he co-wrote before his passing. An injury curtailed his athletic career, redirecting him to filmmaking, where he garnered acclaim for projects like Nurse.Fighter.Boy and the 2022 series The Porter. Davis fondly remembers Officer as a mentor who inspired him to pursue his own passion for storytelling.

Exploring Complex Father-Son Dynamics

At its core, Youngblood is a father-son story. The protagonist, Dean, portrayed by Blair Underwood, grapples with the expectations set by his father, who instilled in him a tough code of conduct. For Davis, this dynamic resonated personally, especially after losing his own father. “I think about him often. So just working with this father role, you can’t help but to see him a bit in that character,” he remarked.

Davis emphasizes the complexity of male relationships often perceived as straightforward. He aims to portray the nuances of fatherhood and the challenges of navigating expectations and limitations. “You’re trying your best, but sometimes your own limitations are part of that relationship,” he stated, reflecting on his journey as a father himself.

A Legacy of Opportunity and Representation

Davis views Youngblood as a tribute to Officer, continuing the late filmmaker’s legacy by reimagining stories that reflect diverse contexts. He expressed hope that the film opens doors for emerging talent, particularly for James, who plays the lead role. “I hope this opens doors for James and that, as a younger actor, he starts to open doors for other people,” Davis said.

The film not only aims to entertain but also to provoke thought about masculinity in sports and the representation of Black players in hockey. By challenging traditional narratives, Davis and Officer’s collaboration seeks to inspire future generations and foster a richer understanding of the sport’s culture.

This exploration of hockey, identity, and family dynamics is set against the backdrop of Toronto’s vibrant film scene, making its TIFF debut a highly anticipated event. As Hubert Davis takes the reins of this significant project, he not only pays homage to a friend and mentor but also contributes to a broader conversation about representation in the arts.