Netflix is set to unwrap a delightful surprise this holiday season with its latest Christmas animation film, That Christmas.
Stepping away from yelling “fuck off” and the intense family dynamics of Succession, Brian Cox, known for his role as Logan Roy, takes on a more festive persona. Cox will be lending his voice to none other than Santa Claus himself.
The film is based on a series of children’s books by Richard Curtis, the British king of rom-coms and all things feel-good and charming, including Notting Hill, Love Actually, and The Vicar of Dibley. This is Curtis’s first foray into the world of animation, which he described as “the most amazing adventure,” as per a statement published in Variety.
The film will combine the stories from Curtis’s The Empty Stocking, Snow Day, and That Christmas. Nicole P. Hearon (Moana, Frozen) and Adam Tandy (The Thick of It, Detectorists) are producing it. And here’s everything you need to know about That Christmas.
What is That Christmas about?
That Christmas, directed by Simon Otto in his directorial debut, offers a whimsical journey into a world of intertwined tales. Otto is the former Head of Character Animation of the Oscar-nominated How to Train Your Dragon. In 2021, he directed the Love, Death & Robots episode ‘The Tall Grass’.
Drawing inspiration from a series of children’s books by Curtis, That Christmas delves into themes of love, loneliness, family, and friendship. The whimsical blurb from Netflix and Locksmith Animation reads: “That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about love and loneliness, family and friends, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys!”
“I hope That Christmas becomes a cherished tradition for audiences worldwide,” Otto said in his announcement statement.
Who is in the voice cast of That Christmas?
Joining Brian Cox in the voice cast are acclaimed actors Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy. Their voices breathe life into an array of charming characters inhabiting a picturesque seaside town.
A supporting voice ensemble will include Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Rhys Darby, Sindhu Vee and many others.
When is That Christmas being released?
That Christmas is set to debut exclusively on Netflix sometime later in 2024, most likely ahead of the holiday season.
Is there a trailer for That Christmas?
While eager fans await a glimpse of the festive extravaganza, Netflix has yet to release an official trailer for That Christmas.