Connor Storrie Set for Major Thriller Role in Turpentine Alongside Melissa McCarthy

Connor Storrie, one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars, has reportedly entered talks to join the thriller Turpentine, marking a major step in his already blossoming career. The Heated Rivalry star, known for his breakout role as Ilya Rozanov, will star opposite the comedic powerhouse Melissa McCarthy in this highly anticipated film from The Penguin director Craig Zobel.

The casting news broke shortly after a leaked casting notice revealed Storrie’s potential involvement, and now it’s been confirmed that he is in negotiations to take on a pivotal role in the project. While the specifics of Storrie’s character remain under wraps, the film’s intriguing premise promises to add a new layer of depth to his acting range.

A Gripping Thriller with a Star-Studded Cast

Turpentine is based on a script by Justin Varava, which made waves on the 2024 Black List — an industry ranking of the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. The film follows the story of a down-on-his-luck son who, desperate to pay off a bookie, orchestrates a scheme to rob his own parents with the help of his friends. What begins as a seemingly simple heist spirals into disastrous consequences, setting the stage for a tense, gripping thriller.

The film will be produced by Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street, alongside Shivani Rawat’s ShivHans Pictures. With a cast that includes McCarthy, known for her work in films like Bridesmaids and Spy, alongside Storrie’s breakout role, Turpentine is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about thrillers of the coming year.

Storrie’s involvement in the project is a testament to his rising star power, particularly after the success of Heated Rivalry, where he portrays Ilya Rozanov, a conflicted and passionate character in the world of professional hockey. This project marks a departure from his earlier roles, allowing him to showcase his versatility as an actor in a darker, more dramatic context.

The Heated Rivalry Star’s Meteoric Rise

Since making waves as Ilya Rozanov in Heated Rivalry, Storrie’s career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Heated Rivalry, which airs on Crave and HBO Max, has become a breakout success, amassing a dedicated global fan base and breaking streaming records with its emotionally charged queer sports romance. The show has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its compelling storyline, nuanced character development, and dynamic performances, with Storrie’s portrayal of Ilya standing out as one of the series’ strongest points.

The show follows the tense and passionate relationship between two NHL superstars — the Canadian Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya Rozanov (Storrie) — who engage in a secret enemies-with-benefits affair that eventually evolves into a deep, all-consuming love. This slow-burn romance has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, with the show’s first season averaging over 10.6 million U.S. viewers, making it HBO Max’s most-watched acquired scripted series at the time.

As the series moves into its second season, anticipation for more of Storrie’s portrayal of Ilya has reached new heights. With his newfound fame, Storrie has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, landing a string of exciting new roles and projects.

Entering the World of Peaked

In addition to Turpentine, Storrie is also rumored to be in talks to join the cast of A24’s comedy Peaked, helmed by Molly Gordon and Allie Levitan. This potential role would mark another exciting venture for the actor, known for his versatility and charm, as he explores the world of comedy after years of tackling more serious and dramatic roles. A24 is known for producing critically acclaimed films like Lady Bird, The Farewell, and Minari, so joining their roster would be a significant step in Storrie’s career.

With Heated Rivalry having propelled him into the limelight, the actor’s range and adaptability are being recognized by a wide array of filmmakers and casting directors. His growing presence in the industry speaks to his talent and his ability to transition seamlessly across genres — from intense drama to lighthearted comedy.

The Rise of a Star: From Joker: Folie à Deux to SNL

Before Heated Rivalry made him a household name, Storrie appeared in smaller roles in projects like Tiny Beautiful Things and the highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux. These early roles helped to build his acting credentials and establish his reputation as a rising star. However, it wasn’t until his portrayal of Ilya Rozanov that Storrie truly hit the mainstream. His nuanced performance as the conflicted hockey player drew widespread praise, and the role opened doors for larger, more high-profile opportunities.

In 2025, Storrie made his debut as the host of Saturday Night Live — a massive achievement that showcased his comedic chops and earned him recognition outside of his dramatic work. Hosting SNL was a significant milestone in his career, cementing his place in the entertainment industry and making him one of Hollywood’s most exciting up-and-coming actors.

With his newfound fame and critical acclaim, Storrie is now represented by some of the top agencies in the business, including CAA, Atlas Artists, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes. These representation powerhouses are positioning him for even greater success in the years to come.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Storrie continues to take on exciting new projects and build a name for himself in Hollywood, it’s clear that his star is only going to keep rising. Whether he’s playing a tortured hockey player in Heated Rivalry, a morally complex character in Turpentine, or branching out into comedy with Peaked, Storrie is proving that he can tackle any role with depth and authenticity.

His diverse career choices are a testament to his range as an actor, and his ability to take on roles in a variety of genres speaks to his versatility. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Storrie is here to stay.

Looking ahead, Turpentine promises to be another major feather in Storrie’s cap, providing him with an opportunity to show off his dramatic chops in a thrilling, high-stakes role. Meanwhile, Peaked and his upcoming projects will continue to keep his fans eagerly awaiting his next move.

For Storrie, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year, and with so many exciting projects on the horizon, it seems like this is just the beginning of a long and successful career. From Heated Rivalry to Turpentine, his journey is one to watch closely as he continues to solidify his place among Hollywood’s brightest talents.

Connor Storrie is on the rise, and with every role he takes on, he’s proving that his star power is only getting brighter.