Matt Cornett Strengthens His Role as Sam Florek in ‘Every Year After’ Through Novel Insights and Fan Edits
Matt Cornett, a 27-year-old actor, is set to captivate audiences as Sam Florek in Prime Video’s latest romantic adaptation, Every Year After. This series, based on Carley Fortune’s acclaimed novel Every Summer After, delves into themes of first love, heartbreak, regret, and second chances, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque Canadian lake town. Cornett expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that he was eager to introduce viewers to the charming setting of Barry’s Bay.
Cornett revealed that upon reading the book, he felt an immediate connection, stating, “There’s nothing about this that I could ever possibly say no to.” For him, this role marks a significant milestone in his career, transitioning from his earlier work in Disney’s High School Musical television series to a romantic leading man. He likened this opportunity to a “Ryan Gosling moment,” emphasizing his admiration for the actor’s work.
The actor expressed pride in the completed series, having viewed all eight episodes. He described the emotional journey tied to the project, saying, “There’s so many emotions and memories tied up with this show in my brain and my heart.” Cornett likened the series to a cherished creation, ready to be shared with the world.
In discussing his character, Cornett noted the unique challenge of portraying multiple ages—15, 16, 17, 18, and 28—throughout the series. This complexity required him to adapt his preparation methods significantly. He emphasized the beauty of the story and the excitement of adapting a beloved book, acknowledging the pressure that comes with such adaptations.
Cornett also mentioned the importance of accuracy in portraying the characters, particularly Sam. He acknowledged the expectations from fans who hold the original story dear, stating, “Anytime you have a preexisting character that people are so in love with, there’s going to be pressure to create it perfectly.” He collaborated closely with co-stars Michael Bradway and Sadie Soverall, as well as showrunner Amy Harris, to ensure fidelity to the source material.
The actor reflected on the pressure he felt to accurately represent Sam, acknowledging that many fans know the character intimately. He expressed hope that the essence of Sam, along with the other characters, was captured faithfully in the series. While some adjustments were necessary for television, he emphasized the commitment to remaining true to the book.
Cornett had the opportunity to work with Carley Fortune during the production. He recalled the nerves leading up to their first meeting, highlighting Fortune’s involvement in the project. He described the moment he met her as a boost of confidence, as she affirmed that the cast had captured the essence of her characters.
Before taking on the role, Cornett was not familiar with Fortune’s work. He admitted that he did not grow up as an avid reader, which made the discovery of the book a delightful surprise. He learned about the adaptation during the audition process, and after booking the role, he quickly sought out the novel. His excitement grew when he realized the book’s popularity, which further motivated him to immerse himself in the character.
In preparation for his role, Cornett explored various fan interpretations of Sam, particularly through TikTok edits. While he did not delve into fan forums, he aimed to capture what resonated with audiences. He balanced this with his own vision for the character, ensuring that his portrayal reflected both the source material and the fans’ expectations.
As Every Year After prepares to launch, Cornett’s dedication to his role and the collaborative effort with the creative team promise a compelling adaptation that honors the original story.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-06-13 05:37:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk