Sophia Bush says working alongside Violet McGraw in Summer’s Last Resort was a refreshing reminder of how much the industry has changed, as the pair take on the roles of mother and daughter in Tubi’s new comedy, which premiered on July 3, 2026.
In the film, Bush plays Milly, a whirlwind single mom who starts a romance with her daughter Summer’s equally unpredictable vice principal, Glenn Winters, played by Jerry O’Connell.
That relationship is quickly put to the test when the trio head to the Caribbean for their first vacation together. Instead of bonding, the trip unravels fast, with Summer doing everything she can to sabotage the couple before they get too serious.
Bush has plenty of experience playing teenagers on screen. She was 21 when she first appeared as 16-year-old Brooke Davis in One Tree Hill in 2003, and 24 when she played high schooler Beth in the 2006 comedy John Tucker Must Die.
For years, productions often relied on older actors to portray teens because of the long filming hours required for television and film schedules. In the US, child-performer rules vary by state and are especially detailed in places like California and New York, where younger performers are subject to strict hour limits, meal breaks, schooling requirements and permit rules.
McGraw, by contrast, was the same age as her character when production began on Summer’s Last Resort.
Reflecting on that difference, Bush said: “We were in our 20s playing high school students, which was required so we could work the amount of hours that you need to film a television series.”
“One thing I’m really grateful for is that [McGraw] actually got to play this role, and that’s very refreshing.”
Summer’s brother, Grayson, is also played by a young actor, Dawian van der Westhuizen, something Bush said added to the film’s energy.
“I think there was something so fun for us about having you guys play the kids and be actual kids,” she said to McGraw.
Child entertainment laws differ depending on where a production is based. In California, anyone providing child performer services to a minor for a fee must have the appropriate permit, while New York requires child performers to have a permit and imposes detailed limits on hours, rest periods and schooling on set.
Even with those protections in place, adult actors are still often cast as younger characters. Zendaya, for instance, was 22 when she played 17-year-old Rue in the first season of Euphoria.
That casting carried extra weight because creator Sam Levinson drew on his own experiences with addiction when shaping the character.
Speaking previously about taking on the role, Zendaya said: “Him trusting me with that really means a lot to me. I care a lot about Rue. She’s important to me.”
McGraw may only be 15, but she has already built an impressive resume, including roles in M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0. Bush said one of the most meaningful parts of making the film was being able to share the kind of guidance she wishes she had received earlier in her own career.
She said: “Behind the scenes what felt good to me was being able to answer your questions, and give you advice about the industry. And also, to tell you all the things I wish I’d known when I was younger.
“I wish I’d known I was allowed to advocate for myself,” the 43-year-old said. “That feels cool to be able to pass on you know tips and tricks to my kiddo.”
Off camera, the cast also seemed to have plenty of fun together. O’Connell, who has spent more than 40 years in the business, said the group was one of the most enjoyable ensembles he has worked with socially as well as professionally.
There was, however, one moment he definitely did not enjoy: a scene that required him to kiss a dolphin in an attempt to revive it.
He said: “It was disgusting. Their breath is terrible. Beautiful creatures but their breath is just terrible!”
The rest of that story is probably best discovered by watching the film itself.
Summer’s Last Resort released on Tubi Friday 3rd July