Ella Bright discusses casting journey and Hannah Wells role in 'Off Campus'

Ella Bright has spoken about her casting journey, preparation process and experience filming Off Campus, while also reflecting on the growing popularity of hockey romance adaptations such as Heated Rivalry ahead of the Prime Video series debut on May 13.

The eight-episode adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s bestselling Off Campus novels follows Hannah Wells, a singer-songwriter at Briar University who enters a fake relationship with hockey captain Garrett Graham, played by Belmont Cameli.

The book series has sold more than six million copies globally and has built a large online fanbase ahead of its screen adaptation.

Bright, a 19-year-old British actress raised in London after being born in New York City, said she was studying for her A-levels when she received the final confirmation of her casting.

She described going through multiple stages of auditions, Zoom calls and chemistry reads before the role was secured.

“I just sobbed my eyes out,” she said, recalling the moment producers informed her she had landed the part during what she believed was a meeting about the show’s music.

She also reflected on her earlier career in Malory Towers, where she starred from the age of 12 to 18, describing Off Campus as a shift from school-based storytelling to a university romance setting.

Music preparation formed a key part of her role, including vocal coaching and learning piano and guitar alongside co-star Josh Heuston. “I feel very happy to say that it was all me,” Bright said regarding performing the instruments on screen.

Bright also commented on the wider genre trend following interest in hockey romance storytelling. After watching Heated Rivalry in a single sitting, she said, “I guess the world is ready for a lot of ice hockey at the moment,” adding that she had been “as obsessed as everyone else” with the show’s popularity.

Season 2 of Off Campus has already been confirmed, with production expected to begin after promotional activities for the first season conclude.