Washington [US], April 8: The upcoming Indigenous sports feature ‘Smudge the Blades’ is gaining momentum with a stellar cast lineup. Ed Helms, widely known for The Hangover and The Office, has officially joined the film alongside Paulina Alexis (Reservation Dogs) and Jana Schmieding (Rutherford Falls), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film, directed and co-written by Cody Lightning, is now in production in Edmonton, Canada, and is targeting a 2026 debut on the international film festival circuit.
A Story Rooted in Indigenous Culture and Hockey
Set in the gritty, high-stakes world of local hockey, Smudge the Blades centers around the Treaty 6 Blades, an under-18 Indigenous hockey team from northern Alberta. With their final year of eligibility ticking down, the team fights to leave a mark in a rough and often brutal league.
Lightning, who also stars as Willie Gladue, expressed his deep connection to the story:
“Rez hockey in Canada is bigger than high school football in Texas. I’m so honored to have this incredible cast to bring to life the experiences of Indigenous hockey players, on and off the ice.”
A Talented Young Cast and Creative Team
The film features a fresh ensemble of young Indigenous talent, including Treycen Wuttunnee, Isaiah Kakepetum, River Rayne Thomas, Elijah James Lee Moar, Ezekiel James Mekanek, and Tyler Halcrow—all portraying the spirited players of the Treaty 6 Blades.
Jana Schmieding plays a hockey mom whose storyline intertwines with Lightning’s character, adding a heartfelt romantic element to the drama.
This marks Cody Lightning’s second feature film after his 2023 mockumentary ‘Hey, Viktor!’, which garnered critical acclaim at Tribeca and the Toronto International Film Festival, and received three Canadian Screen Award nominations.
The film is co-written by Samuel Miller and produced by Joshua Jackson, Kyle Thomas, Sara Corry, Hayley Morin, and Dylan Morin. Notably, Ed Helms also serves as one of the executive producers.
Smudge the Blades promises a powerful, authentic narrative spotlighting Indigenous youth, resilience, and the electrifying spirit of rez hockey—set to hit the festival scene in 2026.