Dallas Jenkins Drops ‘A Little Christmas in July’ Surprise
By Movieguide® Contributor
Dallas Jenkins just shared a first look at his upcoming movie, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.
“The story I’ve been wanting to tell and the movie I’ve been wanting to make for over 15 years is finally on the way,” he posted on Instagram, along with the movie’s trailer. “You won’t be able to see it until November 8 (in theaters nationwide!), but let’s do a little Christmas in July with the first teaser trailer.”
He continued, “Right now, in between filming CHOSEN Season 5 scenes, I’m working on the music for the film with our genius composers, Dan and Matt. Unsurprisingly, their work is beautiful.”
“I’m so proud of the cast in this film. The legendary Judy Greer, comic Pete Holmes, and Lauren Graham (GILMORE GIRLS and PARENTHOOD, anyone?) are so charming and funny and emotive, and the kids we found are a revelation. And yes, you’ll find some of our CHOSEN favorites as well,” Jenkins concluded. “From my heart to yours…”
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, based on the popular book of the same name, follows “the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town’s yearly Christmas performance,” per IMDb.
Jenkins adapted the book alongside Darin McDaniel, Platte Clark and Ryan Swanson. The movie will be produced by Kingdom Story Company.
Speaking about the movie to PEOPLE, Jenkins said THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER was the movie he “was born to make.”
“You’ll see a movie that honors the book fully because it’s made by someone obsessed with the book,” he added. “I couldn’t bear it if I made a movie that didn’t live up to the beauty and charm of Barbara’s work, and I believe we have.”
Movieguide® previously reported on THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER:
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.”
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