Beyond Hawkins: Finn Wolfhard Directs Stunning Stop-Motion Video for George Harrison’s Classic
From Mike Wheeler to Music Video Maestro: Finn Wolfhard’s Unexpected New Directorial Triumph
In a move that solidifies his transition from acting phenom to multi-hyphenate filmmaker, Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard has shocked the entertainment world by stepping behind the camera to direct a brand-new music video for a true rock and roll legend: the late Beatle, George Harrison.
Released this week, the mesmerizing stop-motion clip breathes new life into Harrison’s 1973 solo hit, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth),” demonstrating Wolfhard’s profound creative vision and his deep personal connection to the iconic musician’s legacy. The project, which was spearheaded in collaboration with George Harrison’s son, Dhani Harrison, represents one of the 22-year-old Canadian artist’s most high-profile and unexpected directorial ventures yet, coming at a critical juncture in his career as he wraps up his decade-long run on the Netflix juggernaut.
The Art and Heart Behind the Harrison Collaboration
Wolfhard’s foray into the world of George Harrison is not just a casual celebrity endorsement; it is a deeply personal tribute. The actor, who has often cited Harrison as a massive influence on his own musical pursuits—including his band, The Aubreys, and his solo work—described the collaboration as a profound career highlight. The opportunity arose after a chance conversation, with the Harrison estate eventually clearing the path for Wolfhard to direct the official video.
The video itself is a complex, meticulously crafted piece of stop-motion animation, brought to life by a team of 20 Canadian stop-motion artists. The ambitious production, led by Toronto’s Nobody Told Me Studios, takes viewers on a whimsical, yet deeply symbolic, journey through Harrison’s famous private estate, Friar Park, in Henley-On-Thames. The visual narrative is packed with subtle and heartfelt nods to the musician’s life and career, transforming the spiritual and uplifting track into a tangible, animated experience. It is a striking departure from the live-action projects Wolfhard is known for, showcasing a willingness to experiment with diverse visual storytelling techniques.
Composer Dhani Harrison, who executive-produced the video, praised Wolfhard, calling him “one of the sweetest and most talented people I know of his generation” and “the perfect person to direct a video for my dad.” Dhani expressed confidence that George, who passed away in 2001, would have “loved” the creation, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of Wolfhard’s work.
This project significantly elevates Wolfhard’s standing in the directorial space. Unlike his feature film debut, Hell of a Summer, where he also co-wrote and co-starred, this role is purely behind the camera for an established, globally recognized artist. It signals a major shift in focus, proving he is actively cultivating his identity as a serious filmmaker ready to tackle legacy projects.
The New Era: Director, Actor, Musician, and Boundary-Setter
Finn Wolfhard has effectively spent his entire adolescence and early adulthood in the public eye, largely defined by his role as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things. However, with the fifth and final season of the Netflix mega-series now wrapped, the announcement of the George Harrison video is the latest in a rapid-fire succession of projects that define his new, multi-faceted career path.
Anticipation Builds for Wolfhard’s Feature Directorial Debut
Even as the Harrison video dominates headlines, anticipation remains high for Wolfhard’s feature-length directorial debut, the horror-comedy-slasher Hell of a Summer. Co-directed and co-written with his friend and frequent collaborator, Billy Bryk, the film follows a group of counselors at Camp Pineway being stalked by a masked killer. After a successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was named a runner-up for the People’s Choice Award for Midnight Madness, the film was officially acquired by NEON and is slated for a theatrical release sometime in 2025.
This project is Wolfhard’s passion letter to the 1980s slasher genre he grew up loving, blending classic horror tropes with Gen Z comedy sensibilities. Its impending release is a crucial milestone, demonstrating whether the early success of the film festival run translates into commercial and critical acclaim for him as a filmmaker.
Stepping Back Into the Stunt World for ‘Crash Land’
On the acting front, Wolfhard already has his next starring role lined up in the stunt comedy Crash Land, where he will star opposite Gabriel LaBelle. The film is a darkly funny coming-of-age story about a group of amateur stuntmen and is a stark contrast to the sci-fi horror of Stranger Things. Wolfhard will also serve as a producer, further integrating his behind-the-scenes interests with his acting commitments. This choice of a physical comedy role suggests a deliberate move to challenge his typecasting and explore lighter, yet still complex, narrative territory as he navigates his post-Netflix career.
The Importance of Boundaries: A Viral Fan Story
The intense scrutiny that comes with his level of fame was highlighted recently when a story about a “creepy” fan interaction went viral. During an interview promoting one of his upcoming projects, Wolfhard recounted an awkward moment at a record store where he politely refused a teenage girl’s request for his half-drunk bottle of water. The girl’s family reacted angrily, calling him “rude” for setting a boundary. This anecdote sparked a massive online conversation, with fans and peers overwhelmingly coming out to defend Wolfhard, praising his maturity and standing firm against escalating fan entitlement.
This incident, though seemingly small, underscores the pressure young actors face and reinforces why Wolfhard’s decision to focus on his creative control—through directing and producing—is a vital, self-preserving strategy. By shifting the conversation to his work behind the camera, such as the masterful George Harrison video, he controls the narrative of his career, moving from the perpetually-on-display child star to a respected creative force.
In less than a year, Finn Wolfhard has quietly become one of the most exciting young directors to watch. The George Harrison video is not just a passion project; it is a clear statement of intent, proving that the end of Stranger Things is merely the beginning of his next, and perhaps most compelling, career act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What song did Finn Wolfhard direct a music video for?
A: Finn Wolfhard directed the official, new music video for the late George Harrison’s 1973 hit, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth).”
Q: Is the George Harrison music video live-action or animated?
A: The music video is a complex, fully stop-motion animated piece. It was created by a team of 20 Canadian artists and features a journey through George Harrison’s Friar Park estate.
Q: How did Finn Wolfhard get involved with the George Harrison project?
A: Wolfhard, a long-time fan of Harrison, was approached after a mutual friend, Fred Armisen, mentioned his name to the Harrison estate. He then collaborated closely with George Harrison’s son, Dhani Harrison, who served as an executive producer.
Q: When is Finn Wolfhard’s directorial debut, Hell of a Summer, being released?
A: Hell of a Summer, which Wolfhard co-wrote and co-directed with Billy Bryk, secured a US distribution deal with NEON and is scheduled for a theatrical release sometime in 2025.
Q: What is Finn Wolfhard’s next major acting role after Stranger Things?
A: After wrapping Stranger Things 5, Finn Wolfhard is set to star in the stunt comedy feature film Crash Land opposite Gabriel LaBelle, a project he will also co-produce.
Q: Has Finn Wolfhard retired from music?
A: No. Wolfhard continues his musical pursuits. He released his debut solo studio album, Happy Birthday, earlier in the year and was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band The Aubreys (and formerly Calpurnia). The Harrison music video project further demonstrates his active involvement in the music world.
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