Jacob Young knows exactly the kind of story he gravitates toward — character-driven drama with emotional stakes and a little danger baked in. In his new film A Murder Between Friends (which also stars soap alum Nadia Bjorlin), the former All My Children, General Hospital, and The Bold and the Beautiful star steps into a classic whodunit that blends mystery, humor, and suspense, all while pulling double duty behind the scenes. For the Daytime Emmy winner, the project brought together longtime friendships, his soap-honed instincts, and a story built to keep audiences guessing.
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Young was drawn to A Murder Between Friends because of its classic mystery structure and character focus.
- His soap background helped him manage the film’s fast pace and heavy dialogue.
- Young believes longtime daytime fans will feel right at home with the tone, characters, and suspense.
Why This Mystery Pulled Him In
Young didn’t need much convincing when executive producer and writer Mark Rozzano first pitched the story.
“Who doesn’t love a good mystery, a whodunit?” Young said. “They’re always a fun storyline to be a part of.”
Rozzano had been developing the project for a long time before it finally came together. “He had been pitching this story to me for a long time… and I couldn’t say no because he’s worked so hard and he’s a great storyteller.”
The result is a modern Agatha Christie–style mystery that leans on character tension as much as plot twists, something Young says soap fans instinctively understand.
Wearing Three Hats on a Fast Shoot
In addition to starring in the film, Young also served as co-director and producer, which required a different level of focus.
“I literally had two separate scripts — my directing script and my acting script — plus my shot lists and blocking,” he said. “It was definitely a challenge, but all my years in daytime television helped. That fast pace really prepared me for this.”
While the project was a feature film, the rhythm felt familiar. “I asked a lot of questions over the years — about framing, camera choices, and why things are done a certain way,” he said. “So directing felt like a natural progression. I’m a more technical actor. I use what I know from behind the camera when I’m in front of it.”
A Castle, a Legendary Co-Star, and a ‘Good Accident’
The production was ultimately shot at Úsobí Castle in the Czech Republic after plans to film in Utah fell through.
“It ended up being a really good accident,” Young said. “We got this huge estate for a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S., and we got the best crews — people who work on big HBO shows — because they happened to be on downtime.”
Working with Joan Collins was another highlight. “On the very first day, she knew all her lines and crushed every performance,” he said. “She’s a huge inspiration when it comes to longevity.”
Why Soap Fans Will Enjoy It
From GH to AMC to years on B&B — plus a brief stop on Days of our Lives and a crossover to The Young and the Restless — Young’s career has been rooted in serialized storytelling.
“It feels like a drama soap fans are used to,” he said. “There are recognizable faces, strong characters, and that suspense of not knowing who did it.”
As for the future, Young hinted more may be coming. “There is a sequel in the works,” he confirmed. And while he isn’t planning a full daytime return, he left the door open. “If there was a meaningful arc? I’d never say never.”
A Murder Between Friends premieres with a North American Transactional VOD release on January 13, 2026. It will be available to buy and rent across the US and Canada at AmazonInstant, iTunes/AppleTV, GooglePlay, Vimeo, Fandango at Home, with your library card via hoopla, and on most cable providers.
