Netflix Cast Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos for Icebreaker
The platform has tapped Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos to star as the leads in the upcoming series adaptation.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Ice Skating
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Netflix has cast Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos to play Anastasia Allen and Nate Hawkins in the new series Icebreaker. The show adapts the popular Maple Hills book trilogy created by author Hannah Grace.
Why it matters
The casting brings a major publishing success to the screen as Netflix attempts to translate the massive popularity of the source material to a television audience. The original book series has already established a significant footprint in contemporary romance literature.
The novel Icebreaker spent 70 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, reflecting its status as a major commercial hit. The source trilogy has moved over 7.5 million units globally.
The players
Daisy Jelley
She is the actor cast to portray the character Anastasia Allen in the series.
Connor Simos
He is the actor cast to portray the character Nate Hawkins in the series.
Hannah Grace
She is the author who created the Maple Hills book trilogy that the series adapts.
Jade Halley Bartlett
She is the creator of the television adaptation.
Amanda Lasher
She serves as the showrunner and executive producer for the series.
The details
The production involves Unwell Productions, with Jade Halley Bartlett serving as the creator of the series. Amanda Lasher has been tapped to lead the project as both showrunner and executive producer.
Timeline
The original novel Icebreaker was first published in November 2022.
The book saw its wide release throughout 2023.
Season Trajectory
This casting marks a strategic pivot for the streaming adaptation as it attempts to convert massive literary fanbases into long-term viewership. The project aims to capitalize on the existing momentum of the Maple Hills trilogy to secure a competitive edge in the romance drama market.
Viewers can expect the series to focus on the character dynamics established in the original 5 million-selling novel. The involvement of Unwell Productions suggests the series will aim for a faithful translation of the source material for existing book fans.
The takeaway
The transition from a 70-week bestseller to a Netflix production highlights the growing studio focus on established intellectual property. Fans of the Maple Hills series should monitor official production updates for information on the series release date.
Further reading
For more on the current trends and developments within the sport-adjacent entertainment landscape, visit the Ice Skating section.
Live Poll
Do you generally trust that book-to-series adaptations will capture the quality of the original novels?
