Directed by Simon Otto, That Christmas will hit Netflix on December 4, 2024. The film, based on Richard Curtis's children's book series, That Christmas and Other Stories, and co-written by him and Peter Soute, is created by the team behind How to Train Your Dragon.
Produced by Netflix Animation, the movie features a score by John Powell, who was nominated for a 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Award.
The story follows three connected tales set in a small town during Christmas, focusing on family, love, and unexpected connections. It's a comedy that appeals to both children and parents. The voice cast features big names like Bill Nighy, Brian Cox, Guz Khan, Jodie Whittaker, and Fiona Shaw, among others.
That Christmas: Cast List explored
1) Brian Cox as Santa Claus
In That Christmas, Brian Cox is the voice of Santa Claus. As Santa, Brian Cox brings a kind yet no-nonsense attitude, playing a key role in connecting the film's stories and adding humor. In the trailer, Santa is excited about delivering presents, even in blizzards and storms.
Cox is best known for playing Logan Roy in Succession, for which he won a Golden Globe. He has also earned BAFTA awards and Emmy nominations for his roles in Braveheart and Troy.
2) Fiona Shaw as Miss Trapper
In That Christmas, Miss Trapper, an important character in the story, is voiced by Fiona Shaw. Known for her cleverness, Miss Trapper has a unique way of helping the town with its holiday dilemmas, she provides both humor and depth into the film's themes of connection and community.
Fiona Shaw is popularly known for playing in the Harry Potter movies as Petunia Dursley and as Carolyn Martens in Killing Eve. Shaw's work in Killing Eve earned her a BAFTA and two Primetime Emmy nominations.
3) Jodie Whittaker as Mrs Williams
In the holiday animated film, Jodie Whittaker voices Mrs. Williams, a loving and quirky character who is the emotional heart of the movie. She plays a key role in bringing people together during Christmas and is involved in community holiday traditions.
Whittaker is best known for playing the Thirteenth Doctor on Doctor Who, becoming the first female Time Lord. She also earned critical acclaim for her role as Beth Latimer in Broadchurch and is a BAFTA nominee for Doctor Who.
4) Bill Nighy as Lighthouse Bill
In That Christmas, Bill Nighy plays the Lighthouse Bill, a wise but loveable father figure who looks over the small town from his lighthouse. He offers guidance and a different perspective during Christmas, providing the movie with some emotionally tender moments. The character also carries themes of community and togetherness.
Nighy has garnered fame through performances in Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. He has won a BAFTA for Love Actually and was nominated for an Academy Award for Living.
5) Sindhu Vee as Mrs. Mulji
In That Christmas, Sindhu Vee gives voice to the very warm and supportive Mrs. Mulji, she plays the central role during the holidays with this community of people. Humor and heart come courtesy of Mrs Mulji as she navigates these other characters through their holiday highs and lows.
Sindhu Vee is a comedian and actor known for her quirky wit on stage in stand-up and projects such as Netflix's Matilda the Musical. She has also appeared in Sex Education and Starstruck.
Other cast and characters in That Christmas are:
- Guz Khan as Dasher
- Jack Wisniewski as Danny
- Zazie Hayhurst as Sam
- India Brown as Bernadette
- Freddie Spry as Teddy
- Ava Talbot as Scarlett
- Kuhu Agarwal as Nisha
- Sienna Sayer as Charlie
- Rhys Darby as Mr McNutt
- Lolly Adefope as Mrs McNutt
- Bronte Smith as Eve
- Katherine Parkinson as Mrs Forrest
- Rosie Cavaliero as Mrs Beccles
- Alex Macqueen as Mr Forrest
- Andy Nyman as Mr. Beccles
More about That Christmas
The Official storyline of the movie on Netflix reads as:
"It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans — including Santa's."
That Christmas premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 19, 2024, and will be released on Netflix on December 4, 2024. The film centers around festive chaos, unexpected encounters, and family dramas. It has an IMDb rating of 7/10 and a 58% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stay tuned for more updates.