Matt Cornett's Journey to Romantic Lead in 'Every Year After'
Matt Cornett, known for his roles in Disney's 'High School Musical' series, steps into a new chapter of his career as the romantic lead in Prime Video's adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel, 'Every Year After.' Portraying Sam Florek, Cornett embarks on a journey that delves into themes of first love, heartbreak, regret, and the possibility of second chances, all set against the picturesque backdrop of a Canadian lake town. He expresses immense pride and excitement for the series, highlighting the deep emotional connection he feels to the project and his eagerness for audiences worldwide to experience it.
Cornett's decision to take on this role was immediate upon reading the source material. He found himself captivated by the story and the character, recognizing it as a pivotal moment to transition from teen-centric roles to more mature, leading man opportunities, drawing inspiration from actors like Ryan Gosling. A significant challenge and rewarding aspect of the role involved depicting Sam at various stages of his life, spanning from ages 15 to 28. This required Cornett to refine his acting approach and develop a new system for character preparation, ensuring an authentic portrayal of Sam's evolution.
The adaptation process, particularly with a widely loved book like 'Every Summer After,' came with its own set of pressures. Cornett, along with co-stars Michael Bradway and Sadie Soverall, and showrunner Amy Harris, prioritized fidelity to the original text. He explains that fans of book-to-screen adaptations often desire a faithful rendition of their beloved stories, a sentiment he fully understands as a fan himself. The team was committed to capturing the essence of the characters and narrative, making only necessary adjustments for the television format while maintaining the book's core.
Meeting author Carley Fortune was a moment of anticipation and relief for Cornett and Bradway. Fortune's active involvement behind the scenes and her subsequent approval of their portrayals provided a significant confidence boost during the early stages of filming. Cornett recounted Fortune's reassuring words, confirming that they had successfully captured the spirits of Sam, Charlie, and Percy, which deeply resonated with the cast.
Initially unfamiliar with the book, Cornett discovered its popularity late in the audition process. Once cast, he eagerly delved into the novel, finding himself completely enthralled. To further immerse himself in the character of Sam, he explored fan-created content, such as TikTok edits, to understand audience perceptions and the 'vibe' of Sam. This unique approach, combining his personal interpretation with fan insights and the book's narrative, allowed him to craft a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the character.
The entire production process was a blend of creative freedom and meticulous attention to detail. Cornett engaged in extensive discussions with the show's writers, Amy B. Harris and Leila Gerstein, and his co-stars, particularly Sadie Soverall, to explore the intricacies of Sam and Percy's relationship. This collaborative effort, rooted in both the original novel and a desire for creative depth, aimed to deliver a compelling and heartfelt series that would resonate with both existing fans and new audiences alike.
