Disney brought the holiday season to the D23 Expo this year with the fantasy comedyNoelle. The Christmas comedy starring Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) and Bill Hader (Barry) was originally slated to hit theaters in November this year, but was pulled from the release calendar. It seems Santa Claus' daughter has found a home on the family-friendly streaming service instead.
Anna Kendrickreleased an image of herself dressed as the jolly character in 2017 when the film was first announced, and now the poster gives us a look at how horrified and worried her character actually is.
The film centers on the daughter of the real Santa Claus,Noelle. When her father decides to retire, and her brother gets cold feat just before his first Christmas Eve, Noelle must take up the family business.
According to the new poster, Noelle might not have to do it alone. ComedianBill Haderis pictured beside her, dressed in Claus gear, and looking equally as concerned that they are “saving Christmas together. Oh, Joy.” Anna Kendrick’s straight-laced, ambivalent outsider brand of comedy should prove a hilarious contrast to the cheery, child-like wonder of Christmas. Honestly, there’s no telling which Hader we’ll get. His character could be anywhere from his responsible doctor fromTrainwreckto his ridiculous Stefon fromSaturday Night Live.
Adding to the fun is a strong cast of personalities. The great Shirly McClaine will play a character named Elf Polly, an “on-screen elf nanny.” Billy Eichner’s role is unspecified so far, but fingers crossed his on-screen persona is akin to his intense and unpredictable Craig inParks and Rec. Julie Hagerty (Instant Family) and Alison Araya (Riverdale) will also star.
Noelleis directed by Marc Lawrence, who also penned the script. Lawrence is most known for writing theMiss Congenialityfilms. He also wrote and directed another Sandra Bullock dramedy,Two Weeks Notice, along withMusic and LyricsandDid you Hear About the Morgans?. Lawrence is taking a step away from romance to helm the Christmas film for Disney, but if you’re going to make a holiday flick, Disney is the studio to do it for.
Over the years,Disneyhas dominated the magical Christmas genre. They’re always reliable for a good Christmas special featuring puppies, muppets, or Pooh characters. Their feature films have garnered a nostalgic following as well. Tim Allen has worn the red suit in all three ofThe Santa Clausfilms, though his first appearance in the 1994 comedy remains the most beloved. The 2009 animated drama adaptation ofA Christmas Carolhelped push VFX forward with performance capture of its stars Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman.
There’s no way of telling how Kendrick’sNoellewill fit into the “Best Of Disney Christmas” lists, but its bound to give us some good laughs. Disney Plus will be available in the US on November 12 for your Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Fox viewing pleasure. Stick with us as more news fromD23 Expocomes out. This news comes to us direct fromDisney Plus.
