Warning: This article includes minor spoilers for Sweethearts.
Sweetheartsincludes a cast led by star Kiernan Shipka but is otherwise comprised of up-and-coming actors who show their potential. The Max original movie puts a twist on the holiday rom-com by centering it on Thanksgiving – a holiday that’s otherwise been ignored by the genre. ThoughSweetheart’s reviewsare mixed, the movie will appeal to fans of the anti-rom-com – which follows rom-com tropes and formulas while subverting expectations and challenging the realistic nature of the genre. The films in this sub-genre have messier main characters, show imperfect love, and have different conclusions about popular themes.
Sweetheartshits all the right notes for the anti-rom-com, exploring two best friends as they make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts.Part of the reason the movie thrives is because of the incredible cast that creates likably unlikable characters.The most recognizable name is Kiernan Shipka, a big-name actress who transitioned from child star to more adult roles, like Jamie inSweethearts. While she’s the biggest draw, the other up-and-coming actors give fantastic comedic performances that will keep viewers laughing.
Kiernan Shipka as Jamie
Date Of Birth: July 14, 2025
Actor:Kiernan Shipka was born in Chicago, Illinois, and gother big break playingSally Draper in AMC’sMad Menfrom 2007 to 2015. She’s gone on to develop an incredible career on both the small and big screen, becoming a horror darling for acting in movies like Longlegs and Carriers and playing the titular character in thecast ofChilling Adventures of Sabrina.
2007-2015
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Addy
Character:In Max’sSweethearts, Kiernan Shipka plays Jamie, a first-year university student in a relationship with her high school sweetheart, Simon. The character is jaded and snarky and has emotional barriers that prevent her from making friends outside of Ben.
Nico Hiraga as Ben
Date of Birth: August 06, 2025
Actor:Nico Hiraga was born in San Francisco, California, and he got his big break playing Tanner in the 2019 movie Booksmart. Though Hiraga’s portfolio was small before acting in Sweethearts, he has proven himself capable of acting as a leading man on TV and in movies.
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Character:In theMax Original movie, Nico Hiraga plays Ben, a lovable first-year university student who stays in a relationship with his high school sweetheart, Simon. Because he is such a nice person, the people around him take advantage of his kindness. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the capacity to stand up for himself or set boundaries.
Sweethearts Supporting Cast & Characters
Caleb Hearon as Palmer:InSweethearts, Caleb Hearon plays Palmer, Ben and Jamie’s gay best friend who wants to come out. Hearon got his onscreen big break as Jeremy Bernier inJurassic World Dominion. Though this was his most prominent role prior toSweethearts, he is also known for working as a writer on the TV series Human Resources.
Ava DeMary as Claire:Ava DeMary plays Claire, Ben’s girlfriend, inSweethearts. The up-and-coming actor’s most significant roles are in thecast ofPretty Little Liars: Original SinandAfter Yang.
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Charlie Hall as Simon:ThroughoutSweethearts, Charlie Hall plays Simon, Jamie’s boyfriend, who’s on a football team. Though he doesn’t have a significant number of credits before the Max movie, he’s had prominent roles inBel-Air,Single Drunk Female, andThe Sex Lives of College Girls.
Tramell Tillman as Coach Reese:InSweethearts, Tramell Tillman plays Coach Reese, the football coach who helps Palmer on his coming-out journey. Like other members of the Sweetheart cast, Tramell Tillman doesn’t have an extensive portfolio before this movie. He acted inDietland,Severance, andHit Monkey.
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Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Lukas:Miles Gutierrez-Riley plays Lukas, Palmer’s love interest, inSweethearts. Though he only had six roles before Sweethearts, Gutierrez-Riley notably appeared in thecast ofSmile 2andThe Wilds, and he acted in one episode ofAgatha All Along.
Sophie Zucker as Megan:The actor Sophie Zucker plays Megan, a former friend of Jamie, inSweethearts. Zucker has primarily worked as a writer in Hollywood, but she’s also appeared in the showsDickinsonandThe Duchess of Nothing.
