Calgary, Alberta — Netflix's popular teen drama My Life with the Walter Boys is expanding its cast for the upcoming third season with two Alberta-based actors, Chad Rook and Erin Karpluk, alongside American newcomer Naveen Paddock. The series, which has been filmed in and around Calgary since its inception, announced the additions last month following the wrap of production for Season 3. This news highlights the ongoing appeal of the show, which drew 20 million views upon its debut and quickly topped Netflix's charts.
The streaming giant revealed the casting details after principal photography concluded in the Calgary area, where much of the production has taken place. Rook, a Lethbridge native now residing in Calgary, brings two decades of acting experience to the role of Mac, described as a "cool drag racer" who employs Cole Walter, played by Noah LaLonde, to repair the engine of one of his racing cars. According to production notes, Mac becomes impressed when Cole takes the vehicle for a test drive on the track, adding a layer of excitement to the storyline centered on the Walter family dynamics.
Rook, who also serves as an acting coach and vice-president of ACTRA Alberta south, has built an impressive resume over his career. His previous credits include appearances in the CW's The Flash, NBC's Timeless, and the blockbuster film War for the Planet of the Apes. More recently, he portrayed a racist sergeant in HBO's upcoming IT: Welcome to Derry, showcasing his versatility in both genre and dramatic roles. Based in Calgary, Rook's involvement underscores the local talent pool that has supported the series' production.
Joining Rook is Erin Karpluk, born in Jasper, Alberta, who will portray Hannah, the estranged and irresponsible sister of the Walter family patriarch George, played by Marc Blucas. In the season's narrative, Hannah unexpectedly returns to the ranch to attempt to repair relationships with her sons, Isaac and Lee, whom she abandoned years earlier without explanation. This subplot promises to delve deeper into the family's past, building on the emotional core that has resonated with viewers since the show's launch.
Karpluk's career breakthrough came with the lead role in CBC's 2009 comedy-drama Being Erica, which aired for four seasons and earned her a Gemini Award for her performance. She has since starred in family-friendly series like Holly Hobbie and the horror anthology Slasher: Solstice, demonstrating her range across genres. Her addition to the cast is seen as a nod to Canadian talent, particularly from Alberta, where the production has provided steady work for local crews and performers.
The third season also welcomes Naveen Paddock, known for his starring role in Disney+'s Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. While specific details about Paddock's character remain under wraps, his inclusion signals Netflix's intent to blend established young actors with fresh faces to keep the series engaging for its global audience. Production wrapped without a specified release date, but officials from Netflix have indicated that Season 3 is slated to premiere sometime in 2026.
My Life with the Walter Boys originated from the young adult novel of the same name by American author Ali Novak. The adaptation follows Jackie Howard, portrayed by Nikki Rodriguez, a sophisticated teenager from Manhattan who, after losing her parents in a tragic accident, relocates to a rural Colorado ranch to live with her mother's longtime friend, Dr. Katherine Walter, played by Sarah Rafferty. The story's central tension arises as Jackie navigates a love triangle between brothers Cole and Alex Walter, acted by Noah LaLonde and Ashby Gentry, respectively, amid the challenges of ranch life.
Filming for the first season began in 2022, but the series did not debut on Netflix until December 2023. It swiftly became a breakout hit, reaching the No. 1 spot on the platform's Top 10 list within days of release and amassing 20 million views in its initial weeks. The success prompted quick renewals, with Season 2 following in short order and now Season 3 in post-production, affirming the show's staying power in the competitive streaming landscape.
Calgary's role as a filming hub has been pivotal, offering stunning Rocky Mountain backdrops that stand in for the fictional Colorado setting. Local industry insiders note that the production has injected millions into the Alberta economy, employing hundreds of crew members and supporting ancillary businesses like catering and equipment rentals. ACTRA Alberta, the union representing performers, has praised the project for its commitment to hiring regional talent, with Rook's leadership position adding a layer of advocacy for fair working conditions on set.
Karpluk's character, Hannah, introduces themes of redemption and family reconciliation that could resonate with the series' young demographic. According to the casting announcement, her arrival at the ranch disrupts the established order, forcing the Walters to confront unresolved issues from the past. This mirrors broader narrative arcs in the show, which balances lighthearted romance with heavier explorations of grief and identity.
Rook's Mac, on the other hand, brings an element of high-stakes adventure to the proceedings. As a drag racer, his storyline involving Cole suggests potential for action sequences filmed on local tracks, further showcasing Alberta's diverse filming locations from urban Calgary streets to rural outskirts. Production sources report that these scenes were among the last shot before wrap, emphasizing the blend of drama and excitement that has defined the series.
The addition of these actors comes at a time when Canadian content is gaining international traction, bolstered by tax incentives in provinces like Alberta. While Netflix has not disclosed budget figures for Season 3, the involvement of high-profile returnees like Rodriguez, LaLonde, and Gentry indicates a continued investment in the franchise. Paddock's casting, drawing from Disney's ecosystem, may aim to cross-pollinate audiences between platforms.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 release, fans have taken to social media to speculate on how Hannah's return and Mac's influence might alter the love triangle at the heart of the story. The Walter Boys phenomenon has already inspired fan art, podcasts, and even calls for spin-offs, reflecting its cultural impact. For Alberta's film community, the ongoing production serves as a reminder of the province's growing stature in global entertainment.
With no exact premiere date announced, Netflix subscribers will have to wait, but the casting news provides a tantalizing glimpse into what's ahead. Series creator and showrunner Ali Novak has hinted in past interviews that future seasons will explore more of the Walter siblings' backstories, potentially setting the stage for Hannah's arc to expand. Meanwhile, Rook and Karpluk's participation not only elevates the local flavor but also positions Alberta actors for broader recognition.
In the broader context of streaming trends, My Life with the Walter Boys exemplifies how adaptations of YA literature continue to thrive, much like predecessors such as To All the Boys I've Loved Before or The Kissing Booth. Its success in Calgary underscores the city's evolution from a supporting player to a primary destination for Hollywood productions, fostering a sustainable industry amid economic shifts. As Season 3 moves toward completion, the focus now turns to editing and marketing efforts that could propel the series to even greater heights.