Dallas Jenkins’ THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Begins Production
By Movieguide® Contributor
Dallas Jenkins is set to direct THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, starring Judy Greer and Pete Holmes and in partnership with Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate.
“I have been pursuing this project for 15 years, so to actually be on set is a special moment,” Jenkins told Deadline. “I’m especially grateful to be working with Judy and Pete, who are extraordinary talents and are already showing their mastery of the drama and the comedy. And the actors playing all the kids, including the Herdmans? I’ve been blown away.”
“This is the movie that I was born to make,” he said on Instagram. “If I could only make one more movie for the rest of my life, this is it.”
The movie follows the rowdy Herdman kids as they hijack the town Christmas pageant. However, as their crazy antics drive everyone up the wall – not the least the pageant’s director, Grace (Greer) – they help the town find the true meaning of Christmas.
“[I felt] right at home among the Herdmans,” Greer said. “Before she married my father, my mother was a nun who got kicked out of the covenant for her outrageous behavior – like owning a red bathing suit.”
“I love this story, and Dallas’ enthusiasm for it is infectious,” Holmes added. “It’s hugely gratifying to be a part of a movie that I hope will become part of holiday celebrations for years to come.”
The movie is based on the bestselling book by Barbara Robinson and was adapted by Jenkins, Darin McDaniel, Platte Clark and Ryan Swanson. It will be produced by Kingdom Story Company’s Kevin Downes, Daryl Lefever, Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin, alongside McDaniel and Chet Thomas.
Lionsgate president of production, Erin Westerman, added, “The passion and vision Dallas has for this story is infectious — and to show him how we believe in the project as much as he does, we turned the Lionsgate restaurant into a holiday wonderland for him. We believe he will deliver a holiday perennial that will be fun for the whole family next holiday season.”
Robinson previously adapted the story for the stage in 1982. It was further adapted into a TV movie released on ABC in 1983.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER has entered production in Winnipeg and is eyeing a 2024 winter release.
Movieguide® previously reported:
JESUS REVOLUTION producer Kevin Downes shared a behind-the-scenes look at his latest project, Dallas Jenkins’ THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.
The movie, based on the book by Barbra Robinson, is currently being filmed in Winnipeg, Canada.
“The film centers on the Herdman kids, who are the absolute worst,” Deadline summarizes. “They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. As the rowdy and raucous siblings force themselves into all of the lead roles, they drive the pageant’s director, Grace (Judy Greer), and other members of her family, including husband Bob (Pete Holmes), up the wall. But through their misfit mischief, these unlikely messengers might turn out to be the ones to deliver the town’s sensational and moving portrayal of the true meaning of Christmas.”
“Hey, everybody. [I’m on] the set of BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER…It’s the end of week one, and let me tell you, I just love making movies for you guys…I can’t wait for you to see this one, it’s so good. It’s so warm and so funny,” Downes posted on Facebook.
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