THE APEX TIMES
Naya Rivera’s 11-year-old son Josey makes acting debut in forthcoming film, per report
Josey, the son of late actress Naya Rivera, is set to star in “The Burning Valley,” directed by Evan Coury, according to Page Six.
Naya Rivera’s 11-year-old son Josey is making his acting debut in a forthcoming feature film, Page Six reported on August 30. The report says Josey will star in “The Burning Valley,” a project directed by Evan Coury.
Page Six framed the casting as a return to public attention for Josey years after his mother’s tragic death. The outlet said the debut will come roughly six years after Rivera’s death.
In “The Burning Valley,” Josey is expected to take on a lead role as his first acting credit, the report said. Page Six did not provide additional details about his character, the film’s release date, or the broader cast in the portion of information provided for this story.
The report did include a photo of Josey with his mother from an Instagram post, describing Rivera’s outfit and Josey holding a Woody doll. That image, Page Six said, is part of the public record surrounding Josey’s next step in acting.
While the report centers on Josey’s debut, it also underscores the timeline between Rivera’s death and the new opportunity for her son. Page Six’s wording ties the new project directly to how long Josey has waited to appear on screen.
Neither Page Six nor the provided information specifies where the film is in production, whether casting is complete beyond Josey, or what studio or distribution partners are attached to the project. The report similarly does not outline how the project will be marketed or how quickly audiences may see the film.
As of publication, “The Burning Valley” remains described as forthcoming, with Coury credited as director. Additional announcements regarding the production schedule, co-stars, and release plans would be expected as the project moves closer to filming or distribution.
Why It Matters
- A child performer’s first major on-screen role can shape public and industry attention for a forthcoming title before additional cast and production details are announced.
- The timing, described as about six years after Rivera’s death, may influence how audiences perceive the project as the family continues moving through major milestones.
- Casting a young actor in a forthcoming film raises expectations for how the production will handle publicity and screening of the material as more information is released.
- The project’s next steps, including further casting and release planning, will determine when the industry and audiences can confirm additional details beyond Josey’s involvement.
Key Facts
- Page Six reported on August 30, 2026, that Naya Rivera’s 11-year-old son Josey is making an acting debut.
- The debut role is set for the forthcoming film “The Burning Valley.”
- Page Six said Evan Coury will direct “The Burning Valley.”
- The report described the debut as happening about six years after Naya Rivera’s tragic death.
- The report included an Instagram-related photo featuring Josey and Rivera.