Get Ready for Holiday Magic: Richard Curtis Brings Christmas Joy with "That Christmas"
Written 2nd September 2024 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
Two decades after "Love Actually" became a beloved winter tradition, Richard Curtis is back to sprinkle some more Christmas magic. This time, he's bringing us a heartwarming animated film, "That Christmas," based on his own trilogy of children’s books. Curtis has teamed up with Peter Souter to craft a script that’s sure to wrap you in the warmth of the holiday season, and the star-studded voice cast is the perfect cherry on top.
Director Simon Otto shared, "This movie tells the story of a Christmas filled with unexpected challenges, where kids and parents alike learn that life doesn’t always go as planned. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos, what truly matters is being together with those we love." Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, "That Christmas" will have you laughing at the delightful, yet messy, family dynamics that so many of us can relate to.
Curious to know more about this festive treat? Read on, and let the holiday spirit take over as we count down to the big day.
See all the upcoming 2024 Christmas films here
When Will "That Christmas" Be Available on Netflix?
Mark your calendars! "That Christmas" will make its festive debut on Netflix on December 4, 2024.
What Is "That Christmas" All About?
Inspired by the charming trilogy from award-winning writer-director Richard Curtis (the genius behind "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill," and "Love Actually"), "That Christmas" weaves together stories of love, family, and the unexpected surprises of the holiday season. From Santa Claus making a big blunder to a hilarious number of turkeys, this film has all the ingredients for a Christmas classic. This heartwarming comedy is Curtis’ first venture into animation, and it’s also the directorial debut of animation veteran Simon Otto (known for his work on "Love, Death & Robots" and the "How to Train Your Dragon" films). With producers Nicole P. Hearon ("Moana," "Frozen") and Adam Tandy ("The Thick of It," "Detectorists"), the movie promises to be a holiday hit.
Curtis hopes the film will bring joy to families everywhere. "I hope it’s a film that people will want to watch again and again," he shared. "It’s a celebration of the joys and challenges of Christmas and childhood, set in a quaint English town much like my own in Suffolk. I hope audiences fall in love with the setting and carry away a new, delightful English world in their hearts."
Will "That Christmas" Feature an Original Song by Ed Sheeran?
Absolutely! Ed Sheeran has penned and recorded an original song for the film, titled "Under the Tree." Inspired by his friendship with Richard Curtis, Sheeran was touched by the project and eagerly contributed. “It was just sketches and voices, but it blew me away,” Sheeran said. “It’s emotional, heartwarmingly funny, and exactly what you’d expect from a Richard Curtis film. Since becoming a parent, I’ve noticed a lack of great animated children’s Christmas movies, so this felt like a perfect project to be part of. The song is for a scene that’s both heartbreaking and incredibly real for many people during Christmas — spending it without loved ones. I’m thrilled to have worked on this with my brother, and I hope this becomes a holiday staple for families everywhere.”
Get ready to add "That Christmas" to your holiday watchlist, and prepare to be enchanted by a film that’s sure to become a new Christmas classic.
