Connor Storrie, the breakout star of the hit series Heated Rivalry, has once again captured attention, this time in a new short film for Verizon that combines suspense, humor, and a cheeky nod to his now-infamous backside. Storrie, 26, teamed up with acclaimed filmmaker Nia DaCosta, known for her work on projects including 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Hedda, Candyman, and The Marvels, to create a short called Look Behind You. The film, which runs just over four minutes, is a clever mix of thriller, comedy, and branded content, highlighting both Storrie’s acting talents and the comedic legacy of his backside from Heated Rivalry.
The film opens with Storrie arriving at what appears to be a secluded cabin nestled deep in the forest. Using Verizon’s smart home technology, he unlocks the cabin door and enters, preparing for an evening that quickly becomes a cascade of scares. Clad in casual attire—jeans and a white tank top—he settles in and lights a fire, but the sense of calm is short-lived. The film immediately begins layering tension and suspense, as a series of seemingly supernatural events start to unfold. First, loud death metal erupts from the stereo. Then, while Storrie prepares pasta and practices lines from a script (“I spent all dinner trying to hate the way you laugh”), the house alarm suddenly blares. Lights flicker ominously, a landline phone rings, and finally, a lamp switches on unexpectedly. Storrie, gripping a kitchen knife, shouts in exasperation, “I’m not messing around!”—heightening the tension to comedic effect.
The climax begins when there’s a knock at the door amid a sudden rainstorm. Storrie cautiously opens the door to reveal a shadowy figure in a raincoat. The man says, “I knocked on the door. I looked in the windows. I almost gave up, man. Are you Connor S.?” For a moment, the audience is led to believe a terrifying confrontation is imminent. However, in a clever twist, it is revealed that the mysterious visitor is not a sinister intruder or serial killer, but merely a ride-share driver. All of the scares that Storrie experienced—the blaring alarms, flickering lights, and sudden noises—were caused entirely by him. The culprit? Repeated “butt dials” that occurred as he shifted around the cabin, triggering devices unintentionally. The film concludes with Storrie standing in front of a mirror, and the camera pans down to his backside, accompanied by the tagline: “The Best Butt. The Best Network. There’s No Escape.” The joke is unmistakable, a wink to fans who remember the iconic moment in Heated Rivalry that made his rear a pop culture sensation.
Reflecting on the project, Storrie praised the collaboration and creative process. “From the concept to execution, this was an incredibly collaborative and creatively fulfilling experience,” he said. “Verizon is a brand that really understands storytelling and culture, so they fully leaned into the idea. And working with visionary director Nia DaCosta took everything to another level.” DaCosta also expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I had such a great time working with Connor and making this spot for Verizon! The team was amazing, and we had so much fun bringing this to life.” Leslie Berland, Verizon’s Executive VP and CMO, added that landing both Storrie and DaCosta for their first brand project was a major success. “The collaboration and creative process was pure magic. We set out to bring Verizon’s network to life in a way that’s bold and unexpected, and we’re thrilled with the result. Nia is an absolute artist, and Connor is simply a phenomenon,” Berland said.
The emphasis on Storrie’s backside is a deliberate callback to Heated Rivalry, where his nude rear became an unforgettable part of the show’s first episode. Fans quickly dubbed it a phenomenon, and it sparked widespread discussion online and in interviews. Co-star Hudson Williams often praised Storrie’s rear, referring to it as “the fattest butt I’ve ever seen on a man,” while also acknowledging that Storrie likely wishes the conversation would subside. Despite this, the playful reference in Look Behind You both cements his pop culture status and adds a humorous, self-aware layer to the short film.
Look Behind You also demonstrates Storrie’s versatility as an actor. The film blends elements of suspense, comedy, and commercial storytelling, requiring precise timing, expressive reactions, and the ability to carry a scene with minimal dialogue. Storrie moves seamlessly between moments of tension and comedic release, showing that his talents extend far beyond the viral moments that initially brought him fame. The integration of Verizon’s smart home technology as a central plot device is cleverly done, turning everyday technology mishaps into a suspenseful narrative that culminates in comedy.
Outside of this short, Storrie’s career continues to expand rapidly. Riding the wave of Heated Rivalry, he recently hosted Saturday Night Live, further solidifying his status as a household name in entertainment. He is also currently filming Peaked for A24, a project anticipated to attract critical attention, and is set to appear in a new episode of Criminal Minds. His work ethic and diverse project choices have positioned him as one of the most versatile young actors in Hollywood, capable of navigating both mainstream and niche projects with equal skill.
Representation and collaboration are also central to Storrie’s projects. Working with DaCosta on Look Behind You highlights his commitment to creative partnerships with visionary directors. The short film demonstrates that even branded content can be a platform for innovative storytelling when executed thoughtfully. By blending humor, suspense, and a touch of absurdity, the film becomes more than a commercial; it becomes a cultural moment, reinforcing Storrie’s reputation as an actor who can turn a single joke or visual gag into a widely recognized talking point.
Fans and industry insiders alike have taken notice. Social media reactions to the Verizon short have been enthusiastic, with viewers praising Storrie’s comedic timing, physicality, and, of course, his infamous rear. The project has successfully captured attention both from long-time followers of Heated Rivalry and those encountering Storrie for the first time, creating a buzz that blends digital virality with traditional media coverage.
In summary, Look Behind You is a testament to Connor Storrie’s unique appeal as an actor, blending physical comedy, suspenseful timing, and a playful nod to the fan-favorite moments of his earlier work. With projects spanning television, film, live hosting, and branded content, Storrie continues to establish himself as a multi-dimensional performer with a growing influence in the entertainment industry. The collaboration with Nia DaCosta and Verizon not only highlights his humor and talent but also demonstrates his ability to engage audiences in unexpected and memorable ways. As Storrie’s career progresses, it’s clear that he is as comfortable commanding a suspenseful narrative as he is inspiring laughter—sometimes all while giving his fans exactly what they’ve come to adore.
Connor Storrie is represented by CAA, Atlas Artists, the law firm Yorn Levine, and Shelter PR for personal publicity, ensuring that his career trajectory is managed across multiple fronts. With his current projects and ongoing public interest, Storrie is poised to remain one of the most talked-about performers of his generation, capable of turning even a brief four-minute short film into a viral, culturally resonant experience.
