In the first trailer for Netflix's upcoming animated holiday comedy "That Christmas," acclaimed actor Brian Cox dons the iconic red suit and white beard of Santa Claus, delivering presents to children on the busiest night of the year. Based on a trilogy of children's books by renowned writer-director Richard Curtis, the film promises to blend heartwarming tales of family, friendship, and the timeless magic of the Christmas season.

Bringing the Yuletide Spirit to the Small Screen

A Cinematic Treat for the Whole Family

"That Christmas" marks Richard Curtis's first foray into the world of animation, a medium he has long admired. The film's director, Simon Otto, who has previously worked on the acclaimed "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise and "Love, Death & Robots," is thrilled to bring Curtis's vision to life. "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," Otto shared. "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."The film's star-studded cast, which includes the likes of Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Lolly Adefope, promises to deliver a delightful and engaging experience for audiences of all ages. According to The Hollywood Reporter's review, the "charming animation" of "That Christmas" manages to "slyly avoid the usual mawkishness by grounding its whimsical story in the real and prickly emotions of life."

Exploring the Complexities of the Holiday Season

While "That Christmas" may be a festive and lighthearted affair, the film also delves into the more nuanced aspects of the holiday season. As the title suggests, the narrative weaves together multiple stories about family, friends, love, and loneliness, offering a more realistic and relatable portrayal of the holiday experience."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," said director Simon Otto. "I hope 'That Christmas' becomes a cherished tradition for audiences worldwide."

A Diverse and Talented Cast Brings the Story to Life

In addition to Brian Cox's turn as Santa Claus, the film's ensemble cast boasts an impressive array of acting talent. From the acclaimed Succession star to the beloved Fiona Shaw and Jodie Whittaker, the voice performances in "That Christmas" promise to bring depth and nuance to the characters.The diverse cast also includes rising stars like Lolly Adefope, India Brown, and Zazie Hayhurst, alongside seasoned veterans such as Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, and Sindhu Vee. With this impressive lineup, "That Christmas" is poised to captivate audiences with its heartwarming and relatable storytelling.

A Cinematic Tradition in the Making

As the holiday season approaches, "That Christmas" is set to join the ranks of beloved Christmas classics. With its blend of whimsical animation, heartfelt narratives, and a star-studded cast, the film is poised to become a cherished tradition for families around the world."Watching animated movies was one of the biggest Christmas traditions in my family," said director Simon Otto, "and I hope 'That Christmas' becomes a cherished tradition for audiences worldwide." As audiences eagerly await the film's release on Netflix on December 4th, the anticipation for this cinematic yuletide delight continues to grow.