Netflix has unveiled a stellar voice cast and brand new images from Locksmith Animation’s upcoming CG animated feature, “That Christmas.” Directed by Simon Otto and based on the beloved children’s book series by Richard Curtis, this festive film promises to be a heartwarming addition to the holiday season. The film is set to release in 2024 Christmas time.
Adapted from the enchanting trilogy of children’s books penned by the esteemed writer/director Richard Curtis (known for his acclaimed works such as “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill,” “Love Actually,” and “Yesterday”), “That Christmas” delves into a tapestry of interconnected narratives. It explores themes of familial bonds, friendship, love, and moments of solitude, all against the backdrop of a fateful mishap by none other than Santa Claus himself – not to mention an abundance of turkeys!
This heartwarming comedy marks Curtis’ inaugural venture into the world of animation, where he serves as both the film’s writer and executive producer. Furthermore, it heralds the directorial debut in feature-length animation for the esteemed Simon Otto, renowned for his contributions to notable projects such as “Love, Death & Robots” and the “How to Train Your Dragon” films. Steering the production are producers Nicole P. Hearon, celebrated for her involvement in “Moana” and “Frozen,” and Adam Tandy, known for his work on “The Thick of It” and “Detectorists.”
The Voice Cast of That Christmas
The film boasts an ensemble cast of acclaimed actors, each lending their voices to bring the charming characters to life:
- Brian Cox takes on the iconic role of Santa Claus, bringing warmth and whimsy to the beloved holiday figure.
- Fiona Shaw portrays Ms. Trapper, a character who adds her own unique flair to the festive tale.
- Jodie Whittaker embodies the role of Mrs. Williams, capturing the spirit of the holiday season with her performance.
- Bill Nighy brings his signature charm to the character of Bill, a resident of the picturesque seaside town where the story unfolds.
- Joining them are a host of talented actors including Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienna Sayer, Jack Wisniewski, Rosie Cavaliero, Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, Andy Nyman, Kuhu Agarwal, Bronte Smith, Freddie Spry, Ava Talbot, and Rhys Darby.
The Plot
Set in a quaint seaside town, “That Christmas” weaves together a series of enchanting tales centered around the holiday season. As Santa Claus finds himself in an unexpected predicament, the residents of the town embark on a journey of love, laughter, and festive chaos. From Ms. Trapper’s mischievous antics to Mrs. Williams’ heartwarming gestures, each character contributes to the magic of the season. Bernadette “Bernie” leads a group of friends on a Christmas revolution, spreading joy and goodwill throughout the town. Based on Curtis’ beloved children’s book series, the film promises to capture the essence of the holidays with its touching storyline and lovable characters.
Animation Studio:
Locksmith Animation, known for its innovative storytelling and captivating visuals, partners with Netflix to deliver “That Christmas” to audiences worldwide. With direction from Simon Otto, whose previous work includes the acclaimed “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy, and animation production from DNEG, viewers can expect a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Director and Writer Quotes:
Director Simon Otto shares his excitement, stating, “Becoming an animator had been on my Christmas wish list ever since I was a child…Watching this cast bring life to these heart-warmingly funny tales and infuse them with the magic of animation is truly a dream come true.”
Writer and Executive Producer Richard Curtis reflects on the project, saying, “It’s been especially exciting to see the whole world I imagined come to life beyond my wildest dreams – and populated by a dream bunch of actors, their wonderful voices turned into such rich and funny characters.”
As Netflix continues to expand its original slate of animated features, “That Christmas” stands out as a heartwarming celebration of the holiday spirit. With its talented cast, captivating storyline, and enchanting animation, the film is poised to become a cherished favorite for audiences of all ages. So mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to be transported to a world filled with laughter, love, and the magic of Christmas, only on Netflix.
