Jake Stormoen is returning to the romance genre with The Road to Ballycastle, a new Ireland-set romantic comedy created by several familiar names from Seeking Persephone. Written by Sarah M. Eden, the author behind the Lancaster Family book series, and directed by John Lyde, the film brings together the creative team behind the popular period drama for a story about second chances, friendship and rediscovering love.
The idea for the movie came from Stormoen’s own experience traveling through Northern Ireland shortly before Seeking Persephone began taking shape in 2023. During that trip, the actor rode horses along the coastline and was captivated by the scenery.
He later shared his photographs and stories with Eden and Lyde, suggesting that the landscape would make an ideal setting for a romance or romantic comedy.
“It’s what my soul needed at the time and I came back with these beautiful photos and these stories,” Stormoen explained to book influencer @bookthoughtswithsteph. He recalled telling his collaborators that the scenery was so beautiful and storybook-like that it deserved to become the backdrop for a romantic story.
Eden and Lyde agreed with the idea, and the three began developing the project.
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When Will The Road to Ballycastle Be Released?
The film’s trailer has already been unveiled, teasing its picturesque Irish setting, romantic storyline and several familiar faces from Seeking Persephone. However, an official release date has not yet been announced. The trailer simply promises that the movie is coming soon.
Filming wrapped on June 18, according to Eden’s social media announcement. Stormoen described the production as a “fast, kind of little summer camp project,” suggesting that the team approached the movie as a relatively quick and enjoyable collaboration.
Eden has also shared her excitement about the finished project. She teased that the film includes funny scenes, tender moments, interesting characters, beautiful horses and stunning scenery.
She even recalled having to hold a pillow in front of her face during one particularly funny scene, adding to her confidence that audiences would enjoy the movie.
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Who Stars in The Road to Ballycastle?
Stormoen leads the cast as Andrew, while several performers familiar to Seeking Persephone viewers also appear in the new production.
Charlotte Hemmings, who portrayed the Dowager Duchess in Seeking Persephone, plays Jolene. Will Kemp, who appeared as the Lancaster family patriarch, takes on the role of Ciar.
The supporting cast also includes Anna Greene as Jessica, Camrey Bagley Fox as Mary, Danny James as Trevor, Anson Bagley as Jack, Golden Goodwin as Morgan and Karen C. Baird as Reta.
The reunion of several familiar performers gives the project a connection to Seeking Persephone, even though the new movie tells a completely different story.
What Is The Road to Ballycastle About?
Unlike Seeking Persephone, which adapts Sarah M. Eden’s Lancaster Family novels, The Road to Ballycastle is an original story written specifically for the screen. Stormoen has described its intended style as similar to a Hallmark movie, with romance, humor and an uplifting emotional journey.
The story follows a former competitive equestrian who agrees to take a horseback riding tour through Ireland at her grandmother’s request. Her guide turns out to be a former best friend and teammate who disappeared from her life years earlier.
As the two spend a week traveling together, she begins rediscovering her love of horseback riding while confronting the unresolved feelings surrounding their past.
The journey gradually becomes about more than horses and beautiful landscapes. It gives the former friends an opportunity to reconnect and consider whether they can move forward together.
A Story Inspired by Jake Stormoen’s Personal Experience
Stormoen’s real-life horseback riding trip provided more than just the inspiration for the film’s setting. It also influenced the character he portrays.
During his own visit to Northern Ireland, the guides he rode with suggested that he join their operation. At the time, Stormoen was preparing to work on Seeking Persephone. He admitted that if the series had not moved forward, he might have considered leaving acting to pursue that opportunity.
In The Road to Ballycastle, he plays someone who makes a similar choice.
The actor has described the movie as a sweet story about rekindling love and friendship, with the beautiful Northern Irish landscape playing an important role.
With Sarah M. Eden’s romantic storytelling, John Lyde’s direction and a cast that includes several familiar Seeking Persephone performers, The Road to Ballycastle offers fans another opportunity to see this creative team explore a different kind of love story. Its release date remains unknown, but the newly revealed trailer has already offered a glimpse of the romantic adventure ahead.
Source: Compiled from various sources
