Madelaine Petsch & Gavin Casalegno lead Wattpad hit “Chasing Red” on screen

Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno are officially bringing Wattpad’s fan-favorite romance to the big screen, and anticipation is already sky-high.

Following the novel’s massive success online, the duo didn’t just sign on to star, they’re stepping into characters beloved by millions of readers worldwide.

Fans are buzzing over Petsch’s portrayal of Veronica and Casalegno’s Caleb, marking the moment when a viral story makes the leap from page to screen.

Let’s break down everything known so far about this adaptation and why the casting of Petsch and Casalegno has readers and viewers equally excited.

From Wattpad Sensation to Hollywood Production

Isabelle Ronin’s Chasing Red has dominated the digital reading space since its debut. The story has accumulated an astonishing 261 million reads on Wattpad, making it the platform’s second most popular English title.

The novel first captured hearts when it launched on the platform years ago. Readers fell in love with the chemistry between the main characters and their complicated journey. The story explores themes of trust, vulnerability, and unexpected love in a college setting that resonates with young audiences.

Wattpad published the After romance series, which generated five films that earned $168 million at the global box office. This success demonstrates the commercial potential of adapting popular Wattpad stories for mainstream entertainment. Hollywood has taken notice of these passionate fanbases and their enthusiasm for seeing beloved characters onscreen.

The Chasing Red story has already expanded beyond its original format on Wattpad. It was adapted into a Webtoon webcomic that garnered 24 million views and remarkable reader engagement. The tale was also published as both a print novel through Sourcebooks and a graphic novel via Webtoon Unscrolled.

Star Power Comes Together

Madelaine Petsch will portray Veronica, the intelligent and determined college student at the story’s center. The actress became a household name playing Cheryl Blossom on The CW’s Riverdale for seven seasons. Her portrayal of the complex and fiery character earned her a devoted fanbase.

Petsch recently appeared in Lionsgate’s horror reboot The Strangers trilogy, directed by Renny Harlin. She starred as Maya in both Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, showcasing her range beyond television work. The actress also produced and starred in the Amazon romantic comedy Maintenance Required.

Her transition from television to film has been strategic and successful in recent years. Petsch wrapped filming on Killer Films’ Pretty Babies, which is slated for a festival run soon. She has proven her ability to carry both horror and romantic comedy projects with equal skill and audience appeal.

Gavin Casalegno takes on the role of Caleb, the college heartthrob with hidden depths. The actor gained widespread recognition starring as Jeremiah Fisher in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty.

The Story That Captivated Millions

Chasing Red follows straight A student Veronica who refuses to become Caleb’s next conquest despite undeniable attraction. A chance encounter sparks chemistry between them, but Veronica remains determined to resist his charm and maintain her independence.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Veronica finds herself fleeing a painful past. With nowhere else to go, she ends up living under Caleb’s roof in unexpected circumstances. The forced proximity creates tension and tests both characters’ resolve as they navigate their complicated feelings and growing connection.

As their relationship develops, secrets from both their pasts begin to surface and complicate matters. Love and betrayal collide in this slow burn romance that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.

The story resonates with readers because it explores universal themes of vulnerability and healing. Both Veronica and Caleb must confront their fears and past traumas to move forward together.

Behind the Camera Talent

Mackenzie Munro will direct the film adaptation from a screenplay written by Lauren Schacher. Munro previously directed Wattpad’s first independently financed romantic comedy feature Boot Camp, which premiered in August 2024.

Her directorial debut was the 2021 feature film Salvation, which starred Skeet Ulrich and Thomas Jane. The southern gothic thriller demonstrated her ability to handle complex narratives and draw strong performances from established actors.

Greg Silverman and Grant Torre of Stampede Ventures will produce alongside David Madden and Jason Goldberg. Stampede Ventures’ founder and CEO Greg Silverman expressed enthusiasm about the project and its creative team.

Webtoon Productions brings experience from producing the successful After franchise to this new adaptation. David Madden, President of Webtoon Productions, called Chasing Red one of the hottest packages currently available in the market.

Production Plans and Global Distribution

Filming is scheduled to begin in AlUla, Saudi Arabia in December 2025. The AlUla region offers stunning desert landscapes that will provide a unique visual backdrop for the story. Stampede Ventures signed a partnership with Film AlUla back in October 2023 to facilitate productions in the area.

Amazon Prime Video acquired rights for the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Benelux territories. With Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno leading the film, distributors are positioning the title as a high-visibility romantic drama with strong youth appeal.

The wide distribution strategy reflects confidence in the film’s commercial appeal across different international markets. Sun Diamond holds rights for Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa while Svensk covers Scandinavia.

Shane Kelly, senior vice president of international sales and acquisitions at Mister Smith Entertainment, emphasized the project’s potential. The compelling romance, high emotional stakes, and massive built-in fanbase create opportunities for international buyers. The goal is tapping into the same global audience that propelled franchises like After to remarkable success.

TL;DR

• Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno will star in the film adaptation of Chasing Red.
• The Wattpad novel by Isabelle Ronin has accumulated 261 million reads online.
• Chasing Red is the second most popular English title on the Wattpad platform.
• Mackenzie Munro will direct from a screenplay by Lauren Schacher.
• Filming begins in AlUla, Saudi Arabia in December 2025.
• Amazon Prime Video acquired distribution rights for multiple international territories.
• Stampede Ventures and Webtoon Productions are producing the adaptation.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.