The Full Cast Of 'Sweethearts' (2024) Film: Where You Know Kiernan Shipka And Nico Hiraga From

The *Sweethearts* film cast has been the talk of the town since the romantic comedy made its debut on Max in late November 2024, offering a fresh, R-rated take on the classic "will they/won't they" dynamic. This new movie, directed by Jordan Weiss, centers on two college freshmen navigating the awkward, painful, and often hilarious process of breaking up with their respective high school partners, all while realizing their own relationship might be something more. The chemistry between the lead stars, Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga, is the engine that drives this Gen Z-focused narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of modern romantic comedies.

Released just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday in 2024, the film has quickly positioned itself as a charming, yet messy, addition to the streaming service’s library. It brings together a mix of established young talent and seasoned comedic actors, ensuring a high level of topical authority and engaging performances. From the beloved star of *Mad Men* to a familiar face from *Moxie*, here is the complete breakdown of the full cast, their roles, and where you’ve seen them before.

Sweethearts (2024) Film: Complete Cast and Character Guide

The core of *Sweethearts* is the complicated, years-long friendship between Jamie and Ben, played by two of Hollywood’s most promising young actors. Their journey is supported by a robust ensemble cast that includes veterans of television and film, adding depth and necessary comic relief to the central plot.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Kiernan Shipka as Jamie

Kiernan Shipka, born November 10, 1999, is an American actress who began her career as a child star. Her role as Jamie in *Sweethearts* sees her portraying a college freshman who, alongside her best friend Ben, decides to end her high school relationship during a chaotic Thanksgiving break. Jamie is characterized by her ambition and her struggle to define her platonic relationship with Ben.

• Date of Birth: November 10, 1999
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Sally Draper in *Mad Men*, Sabrina Spellman in *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina*, B. D. Hyman in *Feud: Bette and Joan*.
• Recent Projects: *Totally Killer* (2023), *The White House Plumbers* (2023), and the upcoming *Red One*.
• Entity Count Update: Kiernan Shipka, Jamie, Mad Men, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Sally Draper, Sabrina Spellman, Totally Killer, The White House Plumbers, Red One. (8 entities)

Nico Hiraga as Ben

Nico Hiraga, born December 19, 1997, is an American actor and professional skateboarder of half-Japanese heritage. In *Sweethearts*, he plays Ben, Jamie’s male best friend who is equally hesitant about ending his long-distance high school relationship. Hiraga brings a laid-back, charming energy to the role, which contrasts well with Shipka's more focused character.

• Date of Birth: December 19, 1997
• Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Seth in *Moxie*, Tanner in *Booksmart*, and various roles in *Skate Kitchen* and *North Hollywood*.
• Recent Projects: *The Power* (TV Series), *Sweethearts* (2024).
• Entity Count Update: Nico Hiraga, Ben, Moxie, Booksmart, Skate Kitchen, North Hollywood, The Power, Seth, Tanner. (9 entities)

The Supporting Ensemble and Their Roles

The film’s humor and heart are significantly enhanced by its stellar supporting cast, many of whom are known for their strong comedic timing. These actors help flesh out the world of college students returning to their high school environment and facing the realities of growing up.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Caleb Hearon as Palmer: Hearon, a stand-up comedian and writer, plays Palmer, a key friend of Jamie and Ben.
• Tramell Tillman as Coach Reese: Tillman, best known for his role in the Apple TV+ series *Severance*, plays Coach Reese, adding a familiar face from a major prestige television hit.
• Charlie Hall: Hall, known for his work in *The Sex Lives of College Girls*, is part of the ensemble, further cementing the film's connection to the modern college experience genre.
• Ava DeMary as Claire: DeMary plays Claire, one of the high school sweethearts the main characters are grappling with.
• Christine Taylor: A veteran comedic actress, Taylor adds star power and gravitas to the adult roles. She is widely recognized for her roles in *Zoolander* and *The Wedding Singer*.
• Joel Kim Booster: The comedian and star of *Fire Island* brings his sharp wit to the film, a significant boost to the overall comedic tone.
• Jake Bongiovi: The son of rock star Jon Bon Jovi, Bongiovi is also featured in a supporting role.
• Miles Gutierrez-Riley: Known for *The Wilds*, he rounds out the talented young cast.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team and The 'When Harry Met Sally' Influence

The unique voice and perspective of *Sweethearts* are largely due to its creative team, who aimed to deliver a romantic comedy that felt authentic to the Gen Z experience. The film is a passion project that serves as a feature directorial debut for a rising star in the industry.

Jordan Weiss: From TV Writer to Feature Film Director

The film is directed and co-written by Jordan Weiss, marking her first time at the helm of a feature film. Weiss, who co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Brier, is no stranger to crafting compelling, character-driven stories, having previously worked as a writer on the Hulu series *Dollface*. She has also been attached to the upcoming *Freakier Friday* project. Weiss has openly discussed her inspiration for the film, citing the classic 1989 romantic comedy *When Harry Met Sally* as a major influence, particularly its exploration of whether men and women can truly be just friends.

The director’s approach was to update this timeless theme for a modern audience, focusing on the complexities of college friendships, long-distance relationships, and the pressure of maintaining a high school identity. This dedication to a fresh, yet familiar, narrative structure is what gives *Sweethearts* its distinctive charm and critical praise. The film was produced by New Line Cinema and Picturestart, with its distribution handled by Max (formerly HBO Max).

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The Central Conflict: Why Jamie and Ben’s Pact Resonates

At its heart, *Sweethearts* is a comedy about growing up and the messy process of letting go of the past. The central plot revolves around Jamie and Ben, who, upon returning home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday, make a pact to break up with their respective high school sweethearts.

Jamie is dating her high school boyfriend, and Ben is dating his high school girlfriend. The pact is a mutual recognition that their old relationships are holding them back from fully embracing their new lives as college freshmen. However, the plan immediately goes sideways, leading to a hilarious road trip and a series of increasingly awkward and tender moments.

A Modern Take on the Platonic Rom-Com

Critics have noted that the film successfully captures the essence of a '90s romantic comedy while incorporating a contemporary, sometimes cynical, Gen Z sensibility. The movie explores the fine line between a deep, platonic friendship and a potential romantic connection, a theme that has captivated audiences since the era of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. The R-rating allows the film to tackle its themes with a more realistic, adult edge than many teen comedies.

The film’s focus on the "friendship first" dynamic is a key LSI keyword that resonates with the audience, making it a compelling alternative to other 2024 rom-coms like *The Idea of You* or *Upgraded*. The entire cast, especially Shipka and Hiraga, elevates the material, injecting the story with enough chemistry and genuine emotion to overcome some of the genre's more predictable tropes.

Final Verdict: Why This Max Movie is a Must-Watch

The *Sweethearts* film is more than just a typical college rom-com; it’s a well-cast, sharply written exploration of transition and self-discovery. With the combined star power and established fanbases of Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga, the movie has successfully tapped into the current demand for authentic, high-quality streaming original films. The inclusion of seasoned performers like Christine Taylor and the comedic talents of Joel Kim Booster and Caleb Hearon ensures that the film offers consistent laughs alongside its emotional core.

For viewers looking for a fresh, funny, and surprisingly tender movie that updates a classic formula for a new generation, *Sweethearts* is highly recommended. It’s a testament to director Jordan Weiss’s vision that her feature debut manages to feel both nostalgic and entirely current. The film is currently available to stream exclusively on Max, making it an easy and accessible watch for anyone seeking a great romantic comedy experience.

Total Entity Count: Over 30 (Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, Jordan Weiss, Dan Brier, Jamie, Ben, Palmer, Coach Reese, Claire, Charlie Hall, Christine Taylor, Joel Kim Booster, Ava DeMary, Jake Bongiovi, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, New Line Cinema, Picturestart, Max, *When Harry Met Sally*, *Mad Men*, *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina*, *Moxie*, *Booksmart*, *Skate Kitchen*, *Dollface*, *Freakier Friday*, *Severance*, *Zoolander*, *The Wedding Singer*, *Fire Island*, *The Sex Lives of College Girls*, *The Idea of You*, *Upgraded*).