Michelle Monaghan is trading the White Lotus resort for a hockey rink in her next Netflix project. The actress, known for her role in the hit HBO series, is stepping into the skates of a hockey coach in an untitled drama set in South Dakota. In a recent interview, Monaghan revealed she learned to ice skate for the first time at age 50 to prepare for the role.
Speaking with Collider, Monaghan described the experience as a complete 180 from her upcoming Apple TV+ series Your Friends and Neighbors. She dove headfirst into research, learning the game's rules, coaching strategies, and even mentoring the younger cast members on set. "I learned the game of hockey. I learned all about coaching, I learned to ice skate for the first time at fifty, which is amazing," she said. "And I had a really wonderful experience, getting to kind of be a coach and also taking on that leadership role."
The series, which replaces the previously announced Netflix project Heated Rivalry, is set in the fictional South Dakota town of South Dorothy. There, hockey is the lifeblood of the community—until a devastating tragedy kills several members of the team and their legendary coach, Sully Sullivan. Monaghan plays Harper Sullivan, Sully's widow, who must resurrect the South Dorothy Grizzlies and bring hope back to the town.
Monaghan's commitment to authenticity extended beyond her own training. She found fulfillment in guiding the show's younger actors, many of whom are newcomers to the industry. "I had great mentors for myself as I was kind of growing in this industry, and to be able to kind of pay that forward now was a lovely experience," she noted. The cast includes Isaac Arellanes, Josh Macqueen, Costa D'angelo, Ethan Holder, Shai Chaise, Carter Shimp, and Caleb Baumann.
The series was created by Nick Naveda (Words on Bathroom Walls) and is executive-produced by Bridget Bedard (Love Life), who also serves as showrunner. It is produced by Shawn Levy's 21 Laps Productions, the same company behind hits like Stranger Things and Night at the Museum. While no release date has been announced, the project is generating buzz as a heartfelt sports drama with a strong emotional core.
Monaghan's upcoming slate is packed. She will star in the Netflix comedy Little Brother, alongside John Cena and Eric André, premiering next month. She also appears in the thriller The Whisper Man, with Robert De Niro, Adam Scott, and Michael Keaton, set for a late August release on Netflix. For fans of sports dramas, this hockey series promises to be a standout addition to the streaming platform's lineup.
For more on what's coming to Netflix, check out our Summer TV Preview and May binge guide.
