Bill Nighy and Cork actress Fiona Shaw join Richard Curtis’ Christmas comedy
Santa (Brian Cox) finds himself in quite a predicament in Locksmith Animation and Netflix's heartwarming comedy, That Christmas. Picture: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Bill Nighy is set to reunite with screenwriter Richard Curtis in Netflix’s , with Cork actress Fiona Shaw also set to star in the festive film.
The animated festive feature, co-written and co-executive produced by Curtis, is adapted from his children’s book series and features Nighy, who played Billy Mack in the 2003 Christmas classic, as the voice of Bill, a resident of the seaside town where things turn upside down during Christmas.
Scottish actor Brian Cox, known for playing Logan Roy in , will take the role of Santa while other residents of the town include Mrs Williams, voiced by Jodie Whittaker, and Mrs Trapper, who is brought to life by actress and Cobh native, Fiona Shaw.
Curtis, who is also the writer behind the Christmas film (2023), said: “This has been the most amazing adventure, my first animated film.
“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.”
Director Simon Otto added: “Becoming an animator had been on my Christmas wish list ever since I was a child and watching animated movies was one of the biggest Christmas traditions in my family.
“But never could I have imagined that one day I would get the chance to direct a Christmas film written by the one-and-only Richard Curtis and collaborate with some of the most iconic voice talents.
“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. I hope becomes a cherished tradition for audiences worldwide.”
Yep, we’re unwrapping Christmas news in March! Based on the trilogy of children's books by writer/director Richard Curtis, That Christmas is the heartwarming story of a Christmas that definitely doesn’t go according to plan!
— puɐlǝɹI ⅋ ʞꓵ xᴉlɟʇǝN (@NetflixUK) March 20, 2024
Starring Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker and… pic.twitter.com/wXC7NHpMyH
The cast ensemble also includes Ghosts star Lolly Adefope, actor Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson and comedian Sindhu Vee.
Jack star Rosie Cavaliero, comedian Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, and New Zealand actor Rhys Darby also star.
The festive feature includes a score from composer John Powell, who has received Bafta nominations for films including and .
The film will debut on Netflix later this year.
