That Christmas Netflix Movie: December 2024 Release

Netflix has confirmed that its new animated Christmas movie, That Christmas, will be available globally on December 6th, 2024, and will feature a new original song from Ed Sheeran.

A Festive Release Date

Mark your calendars for December 6th, 2024! Netflix’s highly anticipated animated movie, That Christmas, is set to bring holiday cheer to screens worldwide. This release aims to capture the magic of the festive season, making it a must-watch for families and animation enthusiasts alike.

Director and Production

That Christmas is directed by Simon Otto, known for his work on DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon series. The movie is produced by Locksmith Animation, a studio renowned for its high-quality animated features. With Otto at the helm, audiences can expect a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

A Star-Studded Voice Cast

The movie boasts an impressive voice cast, featuring talents such as Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Lolly Adefope. Other notable names include 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, Bill Nighy, and Rhys Darby. This diverse ensemble promises to bring the characters to life with vibrant and memorable performances.

Plot Overview

That Christmas follows a series of intertwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and a significant mistake made by Santa Claus. These heartwarming stories are sure to resonate with viewers of all ages, capturing the essence of what makes the holiday season special.

Ed Sheeran’s Contribution

Adding to the movie’s charm is an exclusive new original song by Ed Sheeran. The Ipswich-born musician, who has become an international superstar, announced his involvement on August 7th. The new track, titled “Under The Tree,” will be part of the overall soundtrack crafted by John Powell. Sheeran expressed his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the emotional and heartwarming nature of the movie.

Sheeran’s Statement

“I’ve been mates with Richard Curtis for years, and we’ve done a load of fun work for charity, and then both were heavily involved in the movie Yesterday. He came to me two years ago to play me the rough of That Christmas. It was just sketches and voices, but it blew me away. So emotional, yet so heartwarmingly funny, like all Richard Curtis movies. I find since having kids, there’s a real lack of great animated children’s Christmas movies, so I thought this was such an amazing thing to make and put into the world.

The scene that we wrote this song for is so heartbreaking, but so real for many people at Christmas spending it without the ones they love, for so many reasons. I got to work with my older brother on this which is such a rarity and a gift to work so closely with my only sibling, it felt so good to create something my children would watch, with their uncle, based in the country they live in. I find it mad that there isn’t more animated Christmas films for kids, but this is going to become a holiday staple, at least in our household. Hope everyone loves it, and enjoys the song, we had such a great time creating it.”

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Animation and Visuals

The animation style of That Christmas is expected to be both captivating and unique. Given Simon Otto’s background, the film will likely feature intricate designs and fluid animations, making it a visual treat for viewers. Early images released by Netflix showcase the detailed and vibrant world the characters inhabit.

Locksmith Animation’s Vision

Locksmith Animation aims to create films that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. That Christmas is no exception, as it delves into themes of love, loss, and the importance of family. The studio’s dedication to storytelling ensures that the movie will leave a lasting impression on its audience.

Music by John Powell

In addition to Ed Sheeran’s song, the movie’s soundtrack is composed by John Powell, known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda. Powell’s expertise in creating emotive and dynamic scores will undoubtedly enhance the film’s narrative, adding depth to its emotional moments.

Voice Cast Highlights

• Brian Cox: Known for his powerful performances, Cox lends his voice to a pivotal character, adding gravitas to the story.
• Fiona Shaw: Bringing her versatility to the role, Shaw’s performance is expected to be both touching and memorable.
• Jodie Whittaker: The former Doctor Who star adds a playful yet poignant touch to her character.
• Lolly Adefope: Adefope’s comedic timing and unique voice are sure to bring a fresh perspective to the film.

Themes Explored

That Christmas explores several themes that are central to the holiday season:

1. Family and Friends: The movie emphasizes the importance of spending time with loved ones during the holidays.
2. Love and Loneliness: It addresses the contrasting emotions that people often experience during this time of year.
3. Santa’s Mistake: A unique twist on the traditional Santa Claus story, adding humor and intrigue.

Anticipation and Expectations

With its talented cast and crew, That Christmas is poised to become a holiday favorite. The combination of heartfelt storytelling, stunning animation, and a memorable soundtrack sets it apart from other Christmas movies. Fans of Netflix’s Klaus will find similar charm and warmth in this new release.

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Comparisons to Klaus

That Christmas is expected to follow in the footsteps of Klaus, another beloved Netflix animated Christmas movie. Both films share a dedication to high-quality animation and storytelling, making them standout additions to Netflix’s holiday lineup.

Release and Availability

That Christmas will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 6th, 2024. The global release ensures that audiences around the world can enjoy this festive film together.

First-Look Images

Netflix has released several first-look images from the movie, many of which debuted at the Annecy Film Festival. These images provide a glimpse into the movie’s enchanting world and its diverse cast of characters.

Conclusion

That Christmas is shaping up to be a delightful addition to Netflix’s collection of holiday films. With its star-studded cast, beautiful animation, and heartwarming story, it promises to be a movie that families will return to year after year. Ed Sheeran’s contribution adds a special touch, making this a film to look forward to this holiday season.

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