new santa claus movie review

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The santa clause.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 29 Reviews
• Kids Say 28 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Heartwarming holiday tale has some potty humor.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Santa Clause is a 1994 Christmas-themed movie in which Tim Allen plays a toy industry executive who transforms into jolly old Saint Nick himself. The original Santa Claus takes a fatal, accidental fall (yikes -- Santa dies!). Guns are drawn as Tim Allen's new "Santa" gets…

Why Age 9+?

The original Santa Claus takes a fatal, accidental pratfall. Guns are drawn as T

Denny's is mentioned by name and featured in a scene. Several FedEx trucks park

Vague gag reference to the main character's 1960s drug use. Drinking at a corpor

One distantly off-color joke about whether a sexy grown-up has been "naughty" or

As he begins his transformation into Santa, the lead character makes a suggestiv

Any Positive Content?

The religious significance of Christmas takes a big back seat to present-giving

While the lead character begins to exemplify the spirit of Christmas giving and

Violence & Scariness

The original Santa Claus takes a fatal, accidental pratfall. Guns are drawn as Tim Allen's new "Santa" gets arrested by police.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Denny's is mentioned by name and featured in a scene. Several FedEx trucks park outside a home.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Vague gag reference to the main character's 1960s drug use. Drinking at a corporate function. Lead character asks for a "stiff drink."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

One distantly off-color joke about whether a sexy grown-up has been "naughty" or "nice." Some flatulence humor. "Hell."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

As he begins his transformation into Santa, the lead character makes a suggestive remark to an attractive woman on the sidewalk.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

The religious significance of Christmas takes a big back seat to present-giving and childhood wish-fulfillment. Predictable, forced message on giving as exemplifying the "true spirit of Christmas."

Positive Role Models

While the lead character begins to exemplify the spirit of Christmas giving and selflessness as he transforms into Santa Claus, this is done through no conscious effort on his part; he becomes Santa by virtue of accidentally killing the previous Santa and finding his business card. The other lead characters are too one-dimensional to be seen as positive role models. Some attempt is shown to convey the reality of Christmas for the child of divorced parents who share equal custody.

Parents need to know that The Santa Clause is a 1994 Christmas-themed movie in which Tim Allen plays a toy industry executive who transforms into jolly old Saint Nick himself. The original Santa Claus takes a fatal, accidental fall (yikes -- Santa dies!). Guns are drawn as Tim Allen's new "Santa" gets arrested by police. There are grown-up (and gross) jokes, and the movie deals with divorce and estrangement between a father and son. While the whole plot revolves around the idea of Santa being real, many characters talk about the fact that he might not be -- so this may not be the best fit for families looking to extend kids' belief in St. Nick. There is also some potty humor involving human and reindeer flatulence, as well as a vague reference to being on drugs in the 1960s. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (29)
• Kids say (28)

Based on 29 parent reviews

DO NOT WATCH IF YOU HAVE BELIEVERS!

Not for kiddos that still believe, what's the story.

It's Christmas Eve. Scott Calvin ( Tim Allen ), a toy company executive, collects his little son Charlie from his ex-wife. When Santa Claus arrives on his roof, Scott's shout startles Santa into a fatal fall. The body disappears, leaving only the famous red suit. Scott takes over the sleigh and reindeer, completing Santa's annual rounds. At the North Pole, elves tell Scott and Charlie that according to the "Santa Clause" Scott is now required by law to take on Santa's identity. After Charlie tells his mom and child-psychologist stepfather ( Judge Reinhold ), they're convinced that Charlie has been warped by his dad. Months pass and Scott transforms into Santa until court hearings decide that he's nuts and cut off his visitation rights. Another December 24 approaches, and Scott must convince his employers and ex that he's not crazy.

Is It Any Good?

The jokes in this movie are just as funny for adults as for kids. The really nice thing about THE SANTA CLAUSE is that it takes its far-out premise all the way to a logical conclusion; there are no cheats or easy outs for Scott Calvin when the biggest job in the world is thrust upon him. Aided by excellent special effects, this likable guy has a slow, whimsical change into St. Nick -- persistent in a disbelieving world -- that is supernatural.

For a Disney fantasy, The Santa Clause is forthright about divorce and its aftermath but doesn't dwell too much on the agony of a broken home. There's pathos enough just in the separation of Scott Calvin from a son who still looks up to him. Commendably, Charlie's new stepdad appears not as an ogre to be defeated but as an OK guy who lost his faith in Santa Claus because he never got the Oscar Meyer Wiener whistle he wanted at age 3 (does that foreshadow the ending or what?). Some parents may be disappointed that this movie overlooks the religious significance of Christmas in favor of present-giving and childhood wish-fulfillment, but the movie ends on an appropriate note of good will and reconciliation.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about holiday movies. Why are the same titles -- such as It's a Wonderful Life and Scrooge -- shown each season?

How is this film similar to or different from other Christmas movies?

How often do holiday-themed movies center on the children of divorced parents? What are some other examples? How accurately do you think this movie conveys the challenges of that holiday for both the kids and the divorced parents?

Movie Details

• In theaters : January 1, 1994
• On DVD or streaming : September 29, 2002
• Cast : Judge Reinhold , Tim Allen , Wendy Crewson
• Director : John Pasquin
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
• Genre : Comedy
• Topics : Holidays
• Run time : 95 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : thematic elements.
• Last updated : May 30, 2024

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans team up to save a kidnapped (and ripped) Santa Claus in the trailer for Red One

Santa Claus' bodyguard is coming to town.

Lester Fabian Brathwaite is a staff writer at Entertainment Weekly , where he covers breaking news, all things Real Housewives , and a rich cornucopia of popular culture. Formerly a senior editor at Out magazine, his work has appeared on NewNowNext , Queerty , Rolling Stone , and The New Yorker . He was also the first author signed to Phoebe Robinson's Tiny Reparations imprint. He met Oprah once.

The days of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye doing the old soft shoe to save the Columbia Inn are long gone.

In their stead, we've got Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans kicking ass and taking names (and checking them twice) to save none other than a not-so-jolly Old St. Nick ( J.K. Simmons , who has never played jolly in his life).

Want more movie news? Sign up for  Entertainment Weekly's  free newsletter  to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Johnson is the North Pole's Head of Security and when Santa, a.k.a. Red One, is kidnapped under his watch, he has to employ the help of the world's greatest bounty hunter (Evans). This hunter, however, is kind of a Grinch — he literally steals candy from a baby and is a Level 4 Naughty-Lister.

The unlikely duo span the globe in search of Red One, and along the way they encounter Krampus, some creepy jacked Snowmen, Lucy Liu with bangs, and — something tells us — the spirit of Christmas.

John Shearer/WireImage; Ian West/PA Images via Getty

Directed by Jake Kasdan (Jumanji: The Next Level ) and written by Chris Morgan ( Shazam! Fury of the Gods ) from a story by Hiram Garcia ( Young Rock ), Red One also stars Bonnie Hunt , Kiernan Shipka , Kristofer Hivju , Nick Kroll , and Wesley Kimmel.

Amazon MGM Studios is stuffing this holiday treat down your chimney and into theaters on Nov. 15. Check out the trailer above.

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For several Christmas seasons in my childhood, “ The Santa Clause ” reigned supreme. The 1994 Tim Allen movie about magic, divorce and accepting the realities of both was such a go-to that soon enough, my vision of the North Pole became one and the same with this one, with its snarky elves and legendary hot chocolate I would happily push Santa off a roof to try myself. Now, though, I’m an adult woman who spends half my time reviewing shows borne of the beloved comics, movies and toys of my youth, which has rapidly become more depressing than magical.

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Popular on variety.

As showrun by Jack Burditt (an alum of decidedly more adult shows like “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), there are some interesting threads strewn throughout the series’ relentless Christmas cheeriness. Simon’s determination to perfect a worldwide drone delivery system that anticipates customers’ needs echoes Amazon Prime’s ongoing domination to a damning degree, and Mitchell at least makes the most of Carol’s creeping horror that she’s abandoned her entire life and personality in service of Scott’s. Other ideas are far more half-baked, like the growing alarm that the world is at an all-time low of Christmas spirit, and therefore, is at risk of folding in on itself altogether. (If you’re wondering if Allen gets to grumble that “saying ‘Merry Christmas to all!’ is suddenly problematic,” go ahead and cross off that bingo square.)

And so the show ends up being a drag in more than one sense of the word. It works so desperately hard to fill out six episodes — a full three hours of Clause #content! — that it just ends up dragging its feet. Scenes that should be a snappy couple of minutes go on for several too long; plots that can barely stand on their own do their best to hold up entire episodes to no avail. Trying to watch more than one episode, let alone six, feels less like having a warm mug of cocoa than chugging it and crashing off the sugar high.

Most annoying, though, is the constant sense that the show’s attempts to be everything for both kids and their parents resulted in it being for neither. More than once, I found myself thinking of that brilliant sketch in “John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch” in which Mulaney, playing the part of a studio executive, sat down a focus group of children after watching a cartoon movie to ask if they liked the jokes about “fake news” or recognized the voice of Jeremy Renner. What’s the actual point of making a joke about Santa being “into NFTS — nutty, fudgy teacakes”? Kids won’t get it and adults won’t laugh, so who is it for , exactly?

If “The Santa Clauses” were “The Santa Clause 4: The Santa Clauses,” its tendency to indulge the silly and saccharine could be forgiven. As a “Disney+ original series,” it’s simply bit off more “nutty fudgy teacakes” than it can chew.

The first two episodes of “The Santa Clauses” premiere Wednesday, Nov. 16 on Disney+.

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Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans Rescue Santa in “Red One” Trailer

Amazon MGM Studios has just released the trailer for the yuletide action-adventure film “Red One,” starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, and J.K. Simmons as Santa Claus. The trailer promises an action-packed holiday movie with a unique twist.

In “Red One,” Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons), code-named “Red One,” is kidnapped. The North Pole’s Head of Security, played by Dwayne Johnson, must join forces with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter, portrayed by Chris Evans, to save Christmas. The official synopsis describes their globe-trotting, action-filled mission to rescue the beloved figure and ensure the holiday spirit remains intact.

Red One Trailer:

In addition to Johnson, Evans, and Simmons, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, and Wesley Kimmel. Their performances bring this adventurous holiday tale to life.

On Monday morning, Dwayne Johnson revealed the official poster for “Red One.” The poster resembles a wanted notice for Simmons’ Santa, urging everyone to be on the lookout for him. Johnson’s character, Callum Drift, Commander of The E.L.F, pleads for the world’s help in finding Santa, emphasizing that “Christmas depends on it.”

Behind the Scenes

Jake Kasdan, known for his work on the “Jumanji” reboots, directs “Red One.” Chris Morgan writes the screenplay, based on a story by Hiram Garcia. Producers include Hiram Garcia, Danny Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, Chris Morgan, Jake Kasdan, and Melvin Mar. The collaborative efforts of this talented team promise a thrilling and festive cinematic experience.

Mark your calendars! “Red One” is set to hit theaters on November 15, just in time to kick off the holiday season with a bang.

Director: Jake Kasdan

Writer: Chris Morgan, Hiram Garcia

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons

Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube , or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews !

About Emmanuel "E-Man" Noisette

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‘The Santa Clauses’ Review: Disney+ Series Is Familiar but Charming

If you’ve spent the last 28 years wondering about the logistics of Santa Claus falling off of a man’s roof and that man suddenly becoming Santa Claus, Disney+ is here to finally bring you some peace, some answers and a little bit of Christmas joy.

“The Santa Clauses” essentially serves as the fourth movie in the Disney franchise, a delightful six-episode series that catches up with the Calvin-Claus family 28 years after Scott (Tim Allen) first put on the suit and reluctantly became the big guy. While Santa is beloved by all the elves at the North Pole, his magic is beginning to fade. He’s losing weight, and Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell) is struggling with her lack of a first name or personality. Their son Cal (Austin Kane) plays VR games of regular domestic life, and daughter Sandra’s (Elizabeth Allen-Dick) only real friends are animals. When head elf Betty (Matilda Lawler) suggests that Santa could retire, it becomes Scott’s obsession. He could actually spend Christmas with his family! He could buy a boat, maybe! The whole family soon gets excited about the idea, and the hunt for the new Santa begins, starting with Peyton Manning.

Of course, the whole Santa replacement thing doesn’t go as planned, forcing Scott and his family back to the North Pole to clean up some messes and learn something about the meaning of Christmas, but that won’t be a surprise to anyone who’s seen a “Santa Clause” movie. It’s a very familiar tale at this point, which is one of the downsides to the series. It feels almost too familiar, like we’ve definitely learned these lessons about Christmas before. Some of those familiar moments are deliberate callbacks, but combined with the occasional lazy bit of storytelling, it begins to feel like a movie we’ve already seen.

Also Read: Tim Allen Reveals Which Original Characters Won’t Be In ‘The Santa Clauses’ Series: ‘There Were Just Too Many People’

It’s actually the moments where the show comes up with something fresh that feel the most nostalgic, like when it takes a deep dive into the history of Santa Claus, or when we realize the show is actually a story about an aging man coming to terms with the way the world has changed. Santa’s used to doing things the way he’s always done them, and he’s struggling with concepts like disruptive children simply having ADHD, or changing ideas about the word “naughty.”

He’s dismissive of the fact that fewer people care about Christmas, even gripes at one point about no longer being able to say, “Merry Christmas to all!” At first, it feels like Tim Allen’s attempt to revive “Last Man Standing” as “Last Santa Standing,” but eventually it becomes clear that the show is not condemning the world for changing; it’s merely saying that Santa has to change along with it. The grumpy old man is still the hero, but he’s a hero who has to learn a few things along the way, as all heroes should.

The series also gives Scott’s family plenty of time to shine, led by Mitchell as a Mrs. Claus trying to remain appropriately cheerful while also dreaming of having a real identity again. Eric Lloyd only briefly returns as Scott’s son Charlie, but Cal and Sandra more than make up for his absence as kids who grew up in the North Pole. Cal is not the brightest, but he’s very sweet, and Tim Allen’s real-life daughter is so good as moody, animal-loving teen Sandra that you might mistake her for a seasoned actress.

David Krumholtz makes a delightful appearance as Bernard, former head elf, with a quick and simple explanation for having aged. The other elves are all new, but Matilda Lawler and Isabella Bennett stand out as head elf Betty and right hand elf Edie, and they lead a delightful group of ancient elves masquerading as adorable children who care about nothing other than working. Santa keeps trying to give the elves a vacation, but they’re just not interested.

Kal Penn also plays a major role in the series as Simon Choksi, a tech guy with dreams of being the next Jeff Bezos. He’s just trying to reclaim Christmas for him and his daughter Grace (Rupali Redd) after the death of Grace’s mother, and he unexpectedly ends up as one of the candidates to replace Scott as Santa. Simon’s role is necessary but muddy, never really finding the balance between doting father and Bezos wannabe and never going far enough in any direction. This is less Penn’s fault and more the fault of a desire to not want to make him a true antithesis to Scott. We’ve seen what happens when a true anti-Santa takes over the North Pole thanks to “The Santa Clause 2” and “The Santa Clause 3,” so maybe a drone-loving antihero is exactly what this show needed.

It’s unclear whether “The Santa Clauses” is meant to continue or simply exist as a six-episode miniseries, but it could go either way. There are clearly more stories to tell in this version of the North Pole, but if this is where the whole franchise ends, it’s a really nice way to go. Most of the morbid questions about Santa succession have been answered, the North Pole is left in good hands, and Bernard the Elf is safe and sound.

If a second season would simply feature another incorrect Santa threatening all of Christmas, then we probably don’t need it, but there might just be room in this world for a pleasant workplace comedy about elves.

The first two episodes of “The Santa Clauses” are now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes released weekly on Wednesday.

Also Read: Tim Allen Promises New ‘Santa Clauses’ Series Embraces ‘Christ’ in Christmas: ‘It Literally Is a Religious Holiday’ (Video)

The Santa Clauses Recap & Review: Santastic Return Should’ve Been a Movie

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Slingshot Review: Casey Affleck & Laurence Fishburne Lead a Small-Scale Sci-Fi Mindbender

Furiosa star joins prime video sequel series to classic harrison ford sci-fi franchise, this was by far the most shocking story in worst ex ever.

Tim Allen returns as Scott Calvin back in action as everyone’s favorite Santa Clause. The Santa Clauses turned out to be much better than expected that avoids another Disney legacy sequel curse. The series contains some genuinely funny moments and a perfect amount of nostalgia. It’s clearly a respectable and worthwhile entertainment just in time for the holiday season . Allen is simply brilliant along with the rest of the cast, while the cinematography and special effects are excellent .

Spoiler Warning

Chapter One: Good to Ho

Scott Calvin (Allen) is on the brink of his 65th birthday and realizing that he can't be Santa forever. He's starting to lose a step in his Santa duties, and more importantly, he's got a family who could benefit from a life in the normal world, especially two sons, one that grew up in Lakeside, Illinois and one that grew up at the Pole. With a lot of elves, children, and family to please, Scott sets out to find a suitable replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in a life south of the pole.

This year, Santa’s list was extra short, and he decided to visit Sara (Casey Wilson), the soymilk enthusiast from the first Santa Clause film, for answers. Unfortunately, Sara is much older, binge-watching Judge Judy from her parents’ couch, and forgetting about the magic of Christmas. That is, until Santa whips out her favorite childhood toy: a Polly Pocket. He wished Sara a Merry Christmas and tapped his nose to leave, but then his magic stopped working.

Santa couldn’t go back up the chimney, and after jiggling the lock, just went out the front door. The magic reserves in the sleigh were dangerously low. Meanwhile, at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell) helped her son Cal (Austin Kane) with his VR headset. Her daughter, Sandra (Elizabeth Allen-Dick), wanted to spend time with a furry friend and noted her mother needed her own identity.

After returning to the North Pole, and dancing to a strange version of “Elves Just Want to Have Fun,” Santa talked to his wife about his magic mishaps. He didn’t want anyone to worry about the drop in holiday cheer, but at 65 years old, Mrs. Claus mentioned he could possibly retire. He decides to see a doctor, who says a loss in magic could result from children not believing in or needing Santa anymore. With less than a year until Christmas, Scott Calvin decided to get out of shape… quickly.

Even though he lost 10 more pounds, the doctor permitted him to fly on Christmas Eve. The Naughty and Nice check proved to be a problem, though. He couldn’t label a child with ADHD as naughty. Also, even using the word naughty was problematic.

Head Elf Betty (Matilda Lawler) is worried about Santa faltering and brings that to Santa’s favorite elf, Noel (Devin Bright). Could Santa losing his magic mean that all the elves disappear, too? They decided to keep a close eye on the situation. Before Santa could say “ho ho ho,” it was Christmas Eve again.

A few more names were missing from the list, but Santa was ready for his first stop. On TV, there were problems with EverythingNow who, unfortunately, had shipping problems delivering everything now. After landing on another house, Santa confessed to Noel that the world’s got him down. He grabbed his sack to go down another chimney when he was thrown from the roof and knocked unconscious, a chilling parallel to how Scott became Santa in the first place.

Related: Mickey: The Story of a Mouse Review: An Uplifting and Magical Tour Through Time

Chapter Two: The Secessus Clause

After Cal is awoken, he rushes to his mother’s side. Scott finally returns to the North Pole trying to play off the accident, but everyone knows what is really happening. These elves are watching him like a hawk, so he can’t avoid the conversation of “Did you almost die out there?”

After the near-death experience, Scott decides retirement needs to occur. Luckily, there’s another clause. The Secessus Clause allows him to find a replacement if he ever decides to no longer uphold the mantle of being Santa. An easy out is finally on the table.

At first, Scott wants to keep it in the family. He travels to Florida to offer Charlie (Eric Lloyd) the position. Almost immediately, Charlie declines. He’s happy with his life and knows that the North Pole is not conducive to raising children. Next on Scott’s list is Cal.

After he shows the slightest bit of interest, he decides to take Cal for a sleigh driving lesson to see if he has the chops. He does not. He has no chops. He quickly jumps back into his VR world and leaves the Santa possibility behind.

All while this is happening, Simon (Kal Penn) is making a fool of himself in front of the board. He tries to come back from his abysmal Christmas delivery failure with drones. The drones have incredible comedic timing, as they promptly crash through the window and attack the board members. However, Simon’s name is on everybody’s lips as Cal suggests the creator of his VR equipment take on the role of Santa.

A change needs to be made, and fast, as Bernard’s (David Krumholtz) spirit meter hasn’t been this dim since the 14th century. The overall Christmas spirit is as bad as it was during the plague. Later, Sandra and Cal are caught sneaking into a restricted area. Scott is disappointed, but he starts to realize that they are just trying to get a peek into the real world.

Cal’s VR hasn’t even been playing video games, it has just been real life scenarios, like mowing a lawn. A wholesome, but yet a depressing moment. At that moment, Scott makes the official call. He’s retiring. Carol lets her hair down; the elves are in a state of shock, and Simon is summoned to the North Pole.

New episodes of The Santa Clauses will premiere weekly exclusively on Disney+. The Santa Clauses is set as a limited miniseries that will consist a total of six episodes.

• Movie and TV Reviews
• The Santa Clauses (2022)

‘The Santa Clause 4’ Starring Tim Allen Revealed

in Disney , Entertainment

Disney’s The Santa Clause franchise starring Tim Allen has become one of the mainstays for fans to watch during the Holiday season.

Directed by John Pasquin, the original The Santa Clause (1994) introduces us to Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen . Scott, a divorced dad, stumbles into the role of Santa Claus when the current Santa falls from his roof on Christmas Eve. The film deftly weaves together humor, fantasy, and heartfelt moments as Scott grapples with his newfound responsibilities. Tim Allen’s portrayal of Scott brings a perfect mix of humor and warmth, making the character instantly relatable.

Upon its release, The Santa Clause was met with critical acclaim and resonated well with audiences. Tim Allen’s comedic timing and affable performance contributed significantly to the film’s success. The blend of holiday magic and family-centric themes struck a chord, making it a beloved classic. The film’s success paved the way for not one but two sequels.

The Santa Clause 2 (2002) continued the saga, exploring Scott Calvin’s life as Santa. This time, the plot introduces the challenge of finding a Mrs. Claus. Tim Allen’s versatility shines as the film combines romance with familiar comedic elements. The sequel deepens the mythology of Santa Claus while maintaining the heart and humor that fans cherished in the original. The franchise concluded– or so we thought– with The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006). This installment sees Scott Calvin navigating new challenges as Santa, including the mischievous Jack Frost. Once again, Tim Allen delivers a charismatic performance, bringing the character full circle.

Just when we believed the franchise was done, Disney announced that Tim Allen would be returning for a limited series titled The Santa Clauses . The show, which premiered on Disney+ in 2022, saw both Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell return to their roles and then reprise them again in Season 2, which is currently being released on Disney+ . There have been speculations about what Disney might do with the franchise moving forward, and just recently, it was revealed that perhaps a fourth installment to the franchise isn’t out of the question.

Earlier this month, Tim Allen talked about the franchise and said that he believed it “could go somewhere.” Of course, he was joking about a potential sci-fi film.

“I’m a sci-fi guy and I love stories. The fact that we haven’t really figured out Cal’s potential yet, and we’re seeing a lot of potential for [Sandra] that all of a sudden opened up. Even me as I go, ‘Wow, this could go somewhere.’ She’s a human and she has abilities way past what witches are used to. So we don’t know where this could go. And all of a sudden me, as a sci-fi guy, [thinking] this could be a whole other world.”

Even in jest, however, it shows that Tim Allen is still more than willing to reprise his iconic roles– as he is set to play Buzz Lightyear again in Toy Story 5 — so, who’s to say that The Santa Clause 4 couldn’t be in the works? The Direct recently shared a storyline for what could happen if Disney did attempt to go in this direction.

“More than likely, Disney would decide to continue this story in a Season 3 rather than green-light The Santa Clause 4 as a movie, but that movie could deliver its own emotional story as well,” the report shared. “With Eric Lloyd coming back in a recurring role as Scott’s son, Charlie, a fourth movie could possibly look at him finally taking over the family business, especially if he could do it after his own children get a little bit older.”

If Tim Allen and Disney wanted to put a bow on the franchise, it seems that sending it to theaters for one final movie would make a lot of sense. The movie would be released close to 20 years after The Santa Clause 3 debuted, but they would have a lot of new cast members to draw from, considering the success of the Disney+ series.

What sets  The Santa Clause franchise apart is its ability to balance humor, fantasy, and heartfelt moments. Tim Allen’s portrayal of Scott Calvin has become iconic, with his comedic charisma adding a unique flavor to the character. The films create an imaginative world filled with flying reindeer, an enchanting North Pole, and a cast of memorable characters, making it a holiday favorite for viewers of all ages.

What do you think of a potential fourth installment? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!

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Stream It or Skip It: ‘The Santa Clauses’ on Disney+, Where Tim Allen Deals with a Crisis of Christmas Faith

Where to stream:.

• The Santa Clauses
• Stream It Or Skip It

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Watchers’ on Max, Ishana Night Shyamalan's Twisty, Underwhelming Directorial Debut

Stream it or skip it: ‘trap’ on vod, in which an inspired josh hartnett carries another love-it-or-hate-it m. night shymalan endeavor, stream it or skip it: 'a-list to playlist' on netflix, where a korean acting star challenges himself to write and record an album in 100 days, stream it or skip it: 'greg fitzsimmons: you know me' on youtube, finding the comedian reflecting comfortably in his fifties.

The Santa Clause franchise continues in The Santa Clauses , a new holiday series from Disney+. Tim Allen returns as Santa Claus, the spirit of the season formerly known as Scott Calvin. Along for the sleigh ride are Elizabeth Mitchell as Mrs. Claus and new addition Kal Penn, who plays a tech startup rival of Santa’s. Does this series recapture some of that movie magic, or is this a franchise that was better left on ice?

THE SANTA CLAUSES : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: A reindeer’s-eye-view of the water as we pan up to see New York City at night — on Christmas Eve, no less! And as we make our way into tech mogul Simon’s (Kal Penn) home, we see that he is on a Zoom call with his employees instead of helping his daughter decorate the Christmas tree.

The Gist:  It’s been 28 years since Scott Calvin took over for Santa after St. Nick’s accidental death, and Scott — I mean, Santa has this whole Father Christmas thing down. He’s got an elf sidekick named Noel (Devin Bright) who helps him on his annual toy drives, and he’s got a whole control room of pros back in the North Pole making sure everything goes according to plan. But things aren’t going according to plan! The nice list gets shorter every year, almost as if kids are losing their Christmas spirit. And when kids lose interest in Christmas, Santa’s magic starts to dwindle! Pretty soon Santa’s not able to travel up and down chimneys with ease and he keeps losing weight. What gives?! Can Santa amp up Christmas spirit? And what will happen to Santa’s whole setup After a beleaguered tech dude and single father named Simon spots what looks like a sleigh and eight reindeer soaring through the sky…?

What Shows Will It Remind You Of?  Forget shows — this is definitely the Santa Clause franchise. You’ve got Allen’s irreverent take on Santa, which includes a weight- gaining montage set to “Eye of the Kringle.” The North Pole is the same, including that terrifying fireplace shaped like Santa’s head. There are even a few gratingly silly gags that kids will love and parents will tolerate, like an “Elves Just Wanna Have Fun” dance routine. It’s like they took the movies and broke them into half-hour episodes.

Our Take: Well, it’s The Santa Clause but in TV series form. You have to appreciate the ambition and ingenuity at the very least, as holiday-themed seasons of television are still incredibly rare even in the increasingly crowded streaming landscape. Beyond that, whether or not this is for you and your family depends on your level of tolerance for this franchise’s shenanigans and Tim Allen’s “own the libs” humor — which, yes, somehow even pops up in a Disney+ series about Santa Claus . You better believe Allen’s Santa is annoyed that he “suddenly” can’t say merry Christmas anymore (groan), and gets miffed when one elf accuses him of “brat-shaming” during a conflab on who belongs on the naughty or nice list. Oh — they’re not “naughty” anymore; they’re “misunderstood,” and they also get gifts. Sure .

As for the impetus for a whole show spinning out of the Santa Clause trilogy, it’s not exactly original. The idea that Santa is losing his magic due to a lack of Christmas spirit is one that’s been done many times before, and it’s one that families already rewatch every single year in a little movie called Elf .

More intriguing is a subplot focused on Elizabeth Mitchell’s Mrs. Claus, who suddenly starts asking the kinds of questions that you’d expect to hear in a WandaVision or Lost -style puzzle series. Why does Mrs. Claus not have a first name? Why does she just sit around a knit all year? Was there a Mrs. Claus before her and if so, what happened to her after her husband died during Christmas ’94? These are great questions and way more interesting than a plot about a lack of Christmas spirit. Fortunately this is a limited series, which means there should be enough time to unpack this plot point eventually.

Whether you stick around to see if the series answers all of Mrs. Claus’ questions depends largely on how much you or your kids like this seasonal schtick — jokes like Santa saying he looks more like “an MMA fighter and less like an M&M eater.”

Parting Shot:  The first episode ends with the worst thing happening to a Santa Claus finally happening to our Santa Claus: he falls off the roof, seemingly to his demise, and his best bud Noel salutes the fallen Claus. Is Santa done for?! No, because this is Episode 1.

Sleeper Star: The highlight of the first episode is Casey Wilson, who pops up as a grown-up version of Sara. Remember, she’s the little girl who left soy milk out for Santa after he told her he was lactose intolerant (don’t worry, there’s a flashback). She’s 28 years older and is now an adult woman who’s sleeping on her parents’ couch and spends her “endless, blurry, long days” are broken up by Judge Judy episodes. Again, there’s something interesting here about Scott revisiting the kids from his first run as Santa, especially since it allows the show to stunt cast with comedy ringers like Wilson, people who can make anything funny. I’d personally like more of Wilson and less of the elf-themed parody songs, but I’m also not the target audience.

Our Call: This is a SKIP IT to all but the diehard Santa Clause fans out there. If you rewatch the entire Santa Clause trilogy every year, of course you’re going to want to see what happens next. The rest of us are fine sticking to the first film — or just rewatching Elf .

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Tim Allen's The Santa Clauses Debuts a Festive New Trailer

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After Andor Season 2, Lucasfilm Only Needs This Live-Action Star Wars Show

10 villains the arrowverse dropped (& never mentioned again), 10 strongest villains in the flash, ranked.

Disney+ has released a new official trailer for Tim Allen's The Santa Clauses .

The upcoming legacy sequel series reveals that Scott Calvin (Allen) has decided to retire as Santa Claus after realizing that the Christmas spirit isn't as strong as it was when he first started as Santa. However, retiring is easier said than done as Scott is pulled back to the North Pole after realizing that he chose the wrong person to succeed him as Santa and that the future of Christmas is at stake.

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"Scott Calvin is back," reads the official synopsis for the Disney+ series. "After being Santa Claus for nearly thirty years, he’s as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his Santa magic. Scott struggles to keep up with the demands of the job, as well as being there for his family. Upon discovering there is a way to retire from his post, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband."

Tim Allen's Long-Awaited Return as Santa Claus

The Santa Clauses was first announced in January 2022, with Allen reprising his role as Scott Calvin/Santa Claus from the original film trilogy. Elizabeth Mitchell, David Krumholtz and Eric Lloyd will also appear in the Disney+ series, reprising their roles as Carol Calvin/Mrs. Claus, Scott's son Charlie Calvin and Santa's former right-hand elf Bernard, respectively.

Directed by John Pasquin, 1994's The Santa Clause centered on Allen's Scott Calvin, a regular man who inadvertently causes Santa to fall off a roof to his death. After putting on Santa's coat and delivering the remainder of the presents, Scott learns that he must become the new Santa and convince those he loves that he is indeed jolly old St. Nicholas. The film was a major box office hit and spawned two sequels -- The Santa Clause 2 (2002) and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006).

RELATED: David Harbour's Ass-kicking Santa Fights John Leguizamo In First Violent Night Trailer

Allen's real-life daughter Elizabeth Allen-Dick and actors Devin Bright ( Monsters at Work ), Austin Kane ( Criminal Minds ), Matilda Lawler ( Station Eleven ), Rupali Redd ( Bite Size Halloween ) and Kal Penn ( Designated Survivor ) also star in the series. Penn will portray Simon Choksi, a game inventor and single father who fans have speculated will be Scott's successor as Santa. Disney has not revealed who will be the new Santa Claus at this time.

The first two episodes of The Santa Clauses premiere on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 16.

Source: Disney+

• The Santa Clause (TV)

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The Santa Clauses review: right-wing Santa is weird

“The Santa Clauses, Disney's revival of The Santa Clause franchise, has the potential to be a welcome gift or the TV equivalent of an old fruit cake.”

• Channels the spirit of film franchise
• Lots of call-backs
• Tim Allen's crankiness gets old quickly
• Heavy-handed politics drag down its charm

When studios refuse to let the press and critics view an entire series before writing about it, it typically doesn’t present a problem. After all, if the show is done well, the first few episodes should be enough to draw you in and give you a reliable idea of what’s to come. If it’s not worth watching, that becomes abundantly clear early on.

Still silly

A christmas crossroads.

With Disney’s The Santa Clauses , however, the small portion of the show provided for review — just two episodes — offers more questions than answers and makes it difficult to decide whether a recommendation or a warning about the series is in order.

Set several decades after the events of the 2006 film The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause , the Disney+ series brings back Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, the former toy salesman who became Santa Claus. After years of serving as the sleigh-riding, gift-giving, elf-managing icon of Christmas, Scott and his wife Carol (Elizabeth Mitchell) find themselves pondering what comes after life at the North Pole when Scott begins to suspect he’s nearing the end of his term as jolly old St. Nick.

Scott’s search for a successor hits some snags, though, and he ends up wrestling with the decision about who to choose and — more importantly — whether there’s any future for Santa anyway.

For anyone familiar with the prior three films in The Santa Clause franchise,  The Santa Clauses offers a similar vibe in that it continues to revel in the silliness of Santa Claus lore while attempting to earnestly opine on all the usual Christmas movie themes: the importance of family, the dangers of allowing commercialization to destroy the “spirit of the holiday,” and so forth. Over the course of three films, the franchise has leaned further into its silly side, though, and become more slapstick than saccharine, earning more negative reviews with each installment.

The Santa Clauses feels like the goofiest entry in the franchise so far, and Allen jumps back into Santa’s suit and sleigh with ease. He’s joined by Mitchell and an entertaining cast of actors playing elves, Scott’s other family members, and various figures jockeying to become the new Santa. It’s a sweetly ridiculous romp most of the time — except when it isn’t.

With the franchise returning after a 16-year hiatus, it stands to reason that it’s had plenty of time to ditch the old, recycled gags, read the room, and come up with a more modern, timely spin on what looks to be the final chapter of Allen’s Santa Claus saga. Unfortunately, the first two episodes of the series suggest that time might not have been very well spent.

Many recent, successful franchise revivals have won new and old fans over by distilling what audiences connected to in the original show or films and filtering it through a more timely lens — making it relevant in ways that feel new, but still hold the charm of what came before. The Santa Clauses does indeed feel timely, but not in the way you might expect.

Whether it’s the influence of Allen himself — who’s been outspoken about his right-wing politics — or showrunner Jack Burditt, who created Allen’s long-running, but controversial alpha-male sitcom Last Man Standing , The Santa Clauses doesn’t shy away from peppering its first two episodes with the sort of sociopolitical, “War on Christmas”-fueled jabs certain to make it a polarizing project this holiday season.

Early in the first episode, and faced with the notion that people have stopped caring about Christmas — a premise that should seem absurd to anyone who’s visited a department store lately — Allen’s Santa Claus parrots a popular right-wing talking point, lamenting, “You can’t even say ‘Merry Christmas to all’ anymore!” The rest of that episode and the show’s second episode echo that sentiment, and it doesn’t take long for this particular version of Santa Claus to feel like he’s spent too much of the Christmas offseason watching Fox News.

To suggest it strips the story of some of its charm is an understatement, but with only two episodes to go on, the series’ plans for its right-wing Santa are almost certainly going to make or break the show (possibly depending on which side of the ideological divide you fall on).

In an ideal world,  The Santa Clauses will use the plight of Allen’s cranky, conservative Santa Claus to tell a story about the need for change — both within ourselves and in the way we view Christmas.

The series’ early episodes hint at the possibility of Simon, an inventor and entrepreneur played by Kal Penn, becoming the new Santa Claus. The Indian-American actor (and former member of U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration) is positioned as a prime candidate for the role in the show’s first two episodes, and the notion of Penn becoming the new face of Santa Claus feels like a bold pivot for the series to make and would offer a great juxtaposition with Allen’s Santa, who feels increasingly mired in the old ways.

The inability of Allen’s Santa to see beyond the classic imagery of the holiday even becomes an issue with Mitchell’s character — a Mrs. Claus who bristles at her portrayal in classic Christmas art and repeatedly wonders why her title doesn’t come with a first name.

Whether this is all set up for Allen’s Santa to learn the error of his ways and evolve is unknown at this point, and the possibility that The Santa Clauses could end up being nothing more than a hard-right turn for the franchise looms large over the series. It’s difficult to believe that Penn — or Disney, for that matter — would be okay with that kind of spin on the subject matter, but with Disney only offering press and critics two episodes to go on, the studio seems intent on keeping that particular secret wrapped up with a bow for the time being.

The first two episodes of The Santa Clauses premiere November 16 on the Disney+ streaming service.

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With the holiday season around the corner, Disney+ is one of the best streamers to watch Christmas movies. With the overall brand's lean toward family-friendly offerings, it's no wonder that there is plenty of holiday-themed content on this platform.

Whether audiences are looking for a live-action or animated feature, there is plenty of Christmas movie content to sift through on Disney+ and find something to suit your tastes. The service's library is packed with contemporary hits and long-time classics ranging from short films, heartwarming family features, Mickey Mouse, or seasonal fare set in the Star Wars or Marvel universes. There's more than enough holiday atmosphere to go around on this list of the best Christmas movies on Disney+.

Disney+ may have developed a reputation for being the mothership for all things MCU and Star Wars, but the streamer is home to so much more. Most notably, it's filled with classic Disney movies and TV shows, as well as hit films throughout the years that were released by Disney and 20th Century Fox (which Disney now owns). Its library has also amassed a good amount of holiday content, so on top of being filled with superheroes and spaceships, Disney+ is also a go-to for anyone who loves the Christmas season.

Spanning everything from box office hits to Disney Channel Original Movies, the streaming service has a good mix of content, offering up a hefty dose of Christmas cheer for viewers of all ages. It's no secret that holiday movies have become an iconic part of Christmastime, and watching them has become a perennial tradition for many people worldwide. So sit back, put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, grab a hot cocoa, and check out some of the best holiday movies on Disney+. Home Alone (1990)

Disney+ is arguably the best streaming service to enjoy Christmas programming this holiday season. Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are among the best Christmas movies on Disney+, a list that also includes The Santa Claus, Jingle All the Way, Miracle on 34th Street (1947), The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Movies are not the only holiday programs to watch. Disney+ has a great selection of Christmas TV shows that are fun for the entire family. With the holiday rapidly approaching, we picked three great Christmas shows to watch on Disney+, including the return of Scott Calvin, a Marvel holiday special, and a Christmas lights competition series. The Santa Clauses (2022-present)

In 1994, Tim Allen's Scott Calvin wore the iconic red suit and grew a white beard to become the new Saint Nick in The Santa Claus. Nearly 30 years later, Scott is still delivering presents to kids around the world. However, it's time to consider finding a replacement as Scott contemplates retirement in The Santa Clauses.

Screen Rant

Will the santa clause 4 ever happen here's what we know.

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First Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Reviews Are In — Is Tim Burton's Sequel Worth The 36-Year Wait?

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The original trilogy is a Christmas time family favorite but will Tim Allen ever return for The Santa Clause 4 ? The original The Santa Clause starred Tim Allen ( Toy Story ) as a Scott Calvin, a businessman who causes Santa's death in an accident, and a "Santa Clause" means he has to don the suit and take over his toy delivering responsibilities. The movie made good use of Allen's comic sensibilities whilst also being a surprisingly warm family film.

Tim Allen later shocked fans when he revealed the original script featured his character shooting and killing Santa, believing him to be an intruder; the studio insisted this was toned down for the final movie. Allen would return eight years later for The Santa Clause 2 , where Santa has to find a wife and once again for The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause , where he goes up against villainous Jack Frost (Martin Short). While the sequels are commonly regarded as inferior to the original, with 2006's The Escape Clause being lambasted by critics, the franchise proved to be a solid earner for the studio.

Related: Toy Story 4's Trailer Makes Original Pixar Short Canon

The third movie ends with the birth of Santa's son Buddy Claus, but will The Santa Clause 4 ever happen?

The Santa Clause 4 Was Never Announced

Despite the success of the third installment, The Santa Clause 4 has never been confirmed. Outside of his sitcom Last Man Standing , Tim Allen has spent most of his time since The Santa Clause 3 voicing Buzz Lightyear for various Toy Story sequels, shorts and video games.

The star appears to be finished with The Santa Clause franchise, however, since talk of another sequel never comes up. While the series has earned close to $500 million worldwide, there were signs it was waning towards the end. The third movie's budget was drastically reduced from The Santa Clause 2 and while the final movie was a success, it was by far the lowest grossing of the trilogy.

The Santa Clause 4 Likely Won't Happen

While Tim Allen returned for another unexpected fourth installment with Toy Story 4 , it now appears very unlikely The Santa Clause 4 will move ahead. Disney has shown no sign of pursuing the project and Allen was reportedly growing tired of the character by the time The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause was made.

The Santa Clause remains a popular Christmas movie for many, so perhaps a reboot or a legacy sequel passing the torch to a new Santa is possible, but for now, it looks like The Santa Clause 4 isn't being developed.

Next: Wild Hogs 2 Updates: Why Disney Canceled The Sequel

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The Return of Santa Claus: The Movie — The Box Office Bomb Beloved By Brits

“ Santa Claus: The Movie ” (1985) is back. British company Silver Salt Restoration has painstakingly restored the film and their sparkling 4K remaster is now showing on big screens across the UK. It’s also available as a digital download and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD, with the home viewing options likely to prove popular presents this Christmas. 

In Britain, where the film was a hit on its initial release and often appears on lists of the best-ever Christmas movies, this is unsurprising. In the US, where it was a box office bomb, has a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and often appears on lists of the worst-ever Christmas movies, the news is astonishing.

“I’m frankly stunned to learn that Santa Claus: The Movie is so beloved over there [in the UK]”, says Alonso Duralde. As the author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas and co-author of I’ll Be Home for Christmas Movies , Duralde is well-qualified to articulate the prevailing American opinion of the film.

He tells me it’s “shrill,” “overdone” and “obnoxious”. He featured it in Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas in his chapter on the world’s worst Christmas films and also included it on a list of “7 Christmas Films So Bad, They’re Bad” that he wrote for Rotten Tomatoes . To me, as a British millennial, “ Santa Claus: The Movie ” seems as out of place there as “ A Christmas Story ” (1983) or “ Elf ” (2003) would be. 

The two films that BBC Television has shown most often on Christmas Day (usually the day when UK TV audiences are largest) are “White Christmas” (1954) and “Santa Claus: The Movie”. In 2013, when Channel 5—another of the major British television networks—chose “The Greatest Christmas Movies Ever” for a countdown show it tends to rerun every December, “Santa Claus: The Movie” was included. And, in 2020, when BBC Radio listeners were asked to vote for the “12 Films Of Christmas”—the dozen best holiday films—Santa Claus: The Movie naturally made the list. 

Ask a cynic why “Santa Claus: The Movie” is popular in the UK and the answer you’ll most likely receive is “childhood nostalgia”. And there is truth to that. For many of us who were children in Britain in the 1980s or ’90s, the promise of the film’s title—that it delivers the definitive vision of Santa Claus onscreen—holds true. It defined our idea of Santa.

Tell me to imagine Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and what I see in my mind is pretty much David Huddleston , resplendent in his red costume, piloting his sleigh past the Statue of Liberty and shouting “Merry Christmas, pretty lady!” Tell me to imagine where Santa lives, and what I envision is more or less the charming wooden workshop where Dudley Moore , and all the other elves in the movie, craft brightly colored toys. 

But, while childhood nostalgia could explain the return of “Santa Claus: The Movie” to British theaters now, it can’t explain why the film was a hit here—and a flop in America—when it opened. There are plenty of other reasons for that.

One is that the cast features several actors that British audiences were predisposed to like. Although Dudley Moore was a star in America after “ 10 ” (1979) and “ Arthur ” (1981), he had been a star in the UK since the 1960s and, being British, was beloved by British audiences in a way he wasn’t in America. Many of the film’s supporting players were familiar figures on British TV. For example, Melvyn Hayes, who plays another of Santa’s elves, had played the breakout character in the classic BBC sitcom “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum” (1974-81), a show that made little impact in America but was cherished in the UK.

Asked why he thinks “Santa Claus: The Movie” was so disliked by American audiences, Duralde suggests something that was often pointed out by American critics in 1985: “The blatant product placement” for Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. It’s true that McDonald’s and Coca-Cola each make obvious appearances in the movie but to Brits that doesn’t seem strange. To us it seems unremarkable that, in 1980s America, a child who finds himself homeless and hungry would stare longingly through a McDonald’s window or—when given the opportunity—would thirstily guzzle a Coke. For people who did not live in the USA in the 1980s but nevertheless saw American products dominating their movie and television screens, it often seemed that all of American culture was a gigantic advertisement for Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, so to arbitrarily single out one Christmas movie to criticize for glorifying hamburgers and Coke seems odd, if not outright absurd.

According to Duralde, another reason the film failed at the US box office is that “John Lithgow’s performance seems wildly excessive to American audiences.” Lithgow plays the scheming toy mogul B.Z., who aims to commercialize Christmas so completely that Santa Claus is forced to retire. Duralde thinks that “maybe the Yuletide panto tradition makes [Lithgow’s performance] more palatable to UK viewers.” And there he and I agree. A “panto”—or pantomime—is a British holiday stage show that features numerous stock characters, one of which is the “pantomime villain”: an outrageously hammy bad guy who wants to ruin the lives of everyone around him. Lithgow’s performance fits the template perfectly.

The actor has repeatedly voiced his distaste for “Santa Claus: The Movie,” and has expressed bafflement that, when he’s in Britain, it is often all anyone wants to talk to him about. So it seems that Lithgow managed to give one of the all-time great performances as a pantomime villain without fully realizing what he was doing. 

What’s more, outside America, the character he plays doesn’t feel all that improbable. To international viewers, the idea of a US businessman so rapacious he seeks to squeeze more money out of parents by turning March 25th into “Christmas 2” seems a pretty accurate portrait of unchecked American capitalism.

The remastered version of “Santa Claus: The Movie” is available for home viewing in the US, although it won’t receive a theatrical release. In its new 4K splendor, the film finally looks as good as it always has in my memory—and, on behalf of the millions of Brits who love it, I urge American viewers to reconsider one of the sweetest of all Christmas films.

The best time to fall in love with “Santa Claus: The Movie” was when you were six years old in 1985. The second-best time is now.

Scott Jordan Harris

Scott Jordan Harris is a film critic from Great Britain. Formerly editor of The Spectator’s arts blog and The Big Picture magazine, he is now a culture blogger for The Daily Telegraph; a contributor to BBC Radio 4’s The Film Programme and Front Row.

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Against gossip & scandal, independent media network, global stories from local perspective, factual culture news, upcoming christmas movie ‘violent night’ is ‘die hard’…but with santa claus.

Rachel Beltowski is a screenwriter and film critic, with a passion for character-driven stories and thought-provoking themes. From adventure to horror, Rachel enjoys stories which take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster and allow for personal expression that would otherwise go silent. Rachel was drawn to The Hollywood Insider’s dedication to individual perspectives and positive world impacts. The Hollywood Insider has provided a foundation for Rachel to share her insights and leap into the center of the entertainment industry. Rachel hopes to bring a fresh voice into the world of film and television, and share her love of stories with others.

Nov 2, 2022

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Photo: ‘Violent Night’

It’s Halloween time…which basically means it’s the pre-Christmas season. Everyone always seems so eager to get the festivities going for the holiday season as early as possible. Though it can be annoying to have the spirit shoved in your face too soon, there’s something very interesting coming down Santa Claus lane that just might make the loudness worth it. Releasing on December 2nd is a brand new film called: ‘ Violent Night .’ The trailer dropped just a couple of weeks ago, and it looks like this is going to be one sleigh ride you can’t miss. 

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The general description for this film is ‘ Die Hard ,’ but with Santa Claus. Though it’s only a few words, it tells you just what you need to know going into this movie. It’s a brilliant idea, molding the genres of typical Christmas films and action-based fests, along with that extra special fantasy that can only come from Santa Claus. And who is playing the lead character? Why it’s none other than ‘ Stranger Things ’ actor, Chief Jim Hopper himself, David Harbour . Based on the released material, it looks like his version of Santa Claus will be unlike any we’ve seen before. That’s a pretty big promise, and we can only hope that the ultimate product delivers. 

The Magic of a Christmas Movie

Christmas is such a dominating holiday,  it tends to bring in a plethora of new, mostly cheesy films every year. When it comes to the Christmas season, the main projects that gain popularity are either nostalgia-based or sappy rom-com. Not this one though! ‘Violent Night’ looks like it’ll make a wonderful addition to the Christmas movie line-up, harnessing the typical whimsy Christmas films tend to need to elicit, but adding in a bolder, more violent twist. 

A big element of ‘Violent Night’ is its play on the classic film, ‘Die Hard.’ The given premise is that mercenaries break into a family compound, taking everyone hostage, causing Santa Claus to have to come and save the day. Much like John McClane, he’ll save the day the only way he sees possible – with violence. ‘Die Hard’ has been debated time and time again over whether it’s a true Christmas movie or not. Additionally, it’s been joked that people say their favorite Christmas movie is ‘Die Hard’ just to sound cooler. For ‘Violent Night,’ there’ll be no debate over what type of movie it is or if it’s true to its chosen genre. Furthermore, it stands as an example of how Christmas movies can still have the magic of the season without feeling repetitive or predictable. Based on the trailer, we can see all the classic elements of Santa Claus/Christmas films: the naughty and nice lists, the reindeer, and Santa coming through the chimney. He just might be coming down the chimney to have to defeat some of the bad guys. The ingredients are already there from past favorites, but they’ve been spun together in a whole new recipe. A recipe that appears to be set up for success. 

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Here Comes Santa Claus

Santa Claus has been depicted in fiction time and time again, but it’s hard to remember whether St. Nick is an actual historical figure. As years have passed, we’ve gotten to explore all sides a Santa Claus can have. From the voice of reason in ‘ Elf ,’ to the deer discriminator in ‘ Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer ,’ to now the more violently-inclined version. It’s hard to tackle such a well-known character, but Harbour has the skills to bring a new personality to Father Christmas. Harbour has the specific “I’m grumpy, but I still care” persona he’s able to bring to many of his characters. He can throw punches, but he also has comedic timing, as shown in his role as the Red Guardian in ‘ Black Widow .’ That versatility is brought everywhere, and this shade of Santa is going to be one we’ve never seen before. 

‘Violent Night’ will be stacked with one-liners and allusions to classic Christmas quotes and songs, just look at the title. Who better to deliver these one-liners than Santa Claus himself? My personal favorite edition is how this Santa ends up tying his hair back to keep it out of the way when fighting. Moreover, it looks like there will be a bunch of tiny details woven into this depiction, calling back to the caricature of Santa Claus the media has created in past years. It’s no secret that this Santa will be one willing to get his hands, or beard, dirty. “Violent” is in the title, after all. 

Silent Night, Violent Night

John Leguizamo is slated to play the leader of the mercenaries, no doubt taking some inspiration from the late Alan Rickman . Rounding out the rest of the cast is: Beverly D’Angelo , Cam Gigandet , Alex Hassell , Alexis Louder , and Edi Patterson . No doubt these actors will make the most out of the screenplay, written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller . Additionally, Tommy Wirkola is in the director’s chair. He was behind several other inventive films, such as ‘ Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters ’ and ‘ What Happened to Monday .’ The main test of this entry is whether or not it will meet the expectations it has set out for itself, especially since everything we know so far looks so promising. Only time will tell. 

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There are so many new and engaging titles releasing this upcoming December, and I can only hope that this one will stand out among the rest. It has all the makings of a new Christmas classic, and that’s a tough list to make. The Santa Claus plus action plus David Harbour equation will hopefully equal something dazzling. So, in conclusion, keep an eye out for ‘Violent Night’ this holiday season. If you ever have a yearning for some new Christmas magic, and some action thrown into the mix, this could be the perfect movie night option for you!

By Rachel Beltowski

Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media . An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “ We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.

I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed. ”

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Saint Nick of Bethlehem

The original story about a man who lost his son, became Santa to many, reunites with his love, and brings hope to all. Distraught over losing his son, he finds closure and discovers a new pu... Read all The original story about a man who lost his son, became Santa to many, reunites with his love, and brings hope to all. Distraught over losing his son, he finds closure and discovers a new purpose when he takes on the role of Santa Claus. The original story about a man who lost his son, became Santa to many, reunites with his love, and brings hope to all. Distraught over losing his son, he finds closure and discovers a new purpose when he takes on the role of Santa Claus.

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New on Netflix: 7 shows and movies to watch this week (Nov. 6-12)

All the Netflix movies and shows releasing this week

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• Complete list

Leaving Netflix This Week

As we enter November proper, it’s time to take a look at what’s up next on one of the biggest streaming platforms around. While you prep for Black Friday sales and figure out what to cook for the big dinner later this month, we’ve sifted through this week’s new on Netflix content to see what’s worth checking out. 

The major standout is The Killer, a tense tale about an assassin (Michael Fassbender) who misses his target and has to go on a world-spanning trip to track them down. While he makes his way around the globe to track down where the person he needs to take care of has gone, he relates tales about his previous jobs and ruminates on his life in the profession. 

There’s also Escaping Twin Flames, a documentary that explores the online love community Twin Flames Universe, which has long been under fire for the way its creators, Jeff and Shaleia Divine, have allegedly encouraged toxic and cult-like behaviors.

Also new on Netflix is The Claus Family 3, just in time for the holidays, which finds the grandchildren of Santa himself taking on the responsibility of delivering gifts to everyone around the world without his guidance. 

Below, check out our day-by-day rundown of what's new on Netflix this week. 

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

The improv: 60 and still standing.

Celebrate six decades of laughter with The Improv at 60, a one-night event that brings together a star-studded lineup of today’s biggest acts. They grace the stage of the iconic comedy club, paying homage to the generations of comedians that came before them. This special anniversary show is packed with original performances and exclusive footage from the comedic institution. It’s a nostalgic celebration of comedy as an art form, with plenty to offer fans of the genre. And if you aren't much on stand-up comedy, it's worth a watch for a look behind the curtain, so to speak. 

Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 7

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Escaping Twin Flames

Explore the world of online love gurus with this three-part documentary series. It offers a critical look at Twin Flames Universe, a controversial online community led by Jeff and Shaleia Divine, who promise to help people find their soulmates through paid classes and mentorship. However, as former members come forward, a darker side of this digital "paradise" emerges, with claims of alleged manipulation, exploitation, and encouragement of harmful behaviors, including stalking and identity distortion. There's a lot to ask about the Twin Flames Universe philosophy and how it changes its followers, but the real question seems to be how Jeff and Shaleia have continued to get away with it over the years. 

Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 8

The Claus Family 3

The third entry in The Claus Family trilogy follows siblings Jules (Mo Bakker) and Noor Claus (Amber Metdepenningnen) through another set of holiday hijinks as their latest gift delivery goes awry. As part of the only family with the power to save Christmas as we know it, it seems things are looking bleak. With Grandpa Noël (Jan Decleir) out of commission and unable to assist, it's up to Jules and Noor solve all the problems they're facing to get all the toys and presents out to everyone in the world, all without the guidance of their grandfather, the real Santa Claus. 

Akuma Kun is an anime series based on the manga of the same name by Shigeru Mizuki. It follows a child prodigy, one who comes around ever 10,000 years, named Akuma-kun. His goal is for every human in the world can live a peaceful life without war, hunger, or any generalized unhappiness. With the assistance of an unconventional squad of demons, he uses dark magic and his intellect to try and achieve this goal. But this weird little boy doesn't always go about all this the right way. Though he's always surrounded by demons who could make his dream a reality, he's got a long way to go before he can truly harness their power and his brain to figure out humanity's problems completely. 

Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 9

The Killer follows an assassin (Michael Fassbender) whose life takes a turn after a job goes awry when one of his bullets misses its intended target. From there, there's an international manhunt to track down the one that got away, so to speak. It's a whirlwind journey from the Dominican Republic to the streets of New Orleans, all the way to rural Florida as the disgruntled assassin reflects on his profession and past jobs, all while seeking out the one who was meant to receive his original bullet, all the while puzzling out his next steps. 

Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 10

Robbie Williams

One for the U.K. viewers out there, this new limited series gives viewers an insider look on the last 25 years of Robbie Williams' huge pop career. Following in the same vein as Beckham and Arnold, this Netflix original documentary will track back in time over Williams' solo career with unprecedented access to the man himself. In this Ridley Scott-produced limited series, Robbie looks back on his younger self and reflects on a lifetime spent in the spotlight.

Temple of Film: 100 Years of the Egyptian Theatre

This retrospective look at the history of the iconic Egyptian Theatre features interviews with filmmakers Guillermo Del Toro (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) and Rian Johnson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) and producer Lynette Howell Taylor (A Star Is Born). The Egyptian Theatre, built in 1922, was a fixture in Hollywood’s Golden Age and the site of the world’s very first movie premiere. This insightful look into Hollywood history is one for the movie buffs out there.  Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 9

Everything new on Netflix: Nov. 7-12

Face Off: Seasons 4-5

The Improv: 60 and Still Standing (Netflix Comedy) The Improv turns 60 with original performances from today's most celebrated artists and biggest concert acts, along with exclusive and rarely seen moments from one of the largest comedy archives. It's a one-night event to honor artists who defined comedy and culture for decades... all while standing in front of a simple brick wall. 

The Billionaire, the Butler and the Boyfriend (FR) (Netflix Documentary) How did a conflict between the world's wealthiest woman and her daughter spiral into national scandal? This riveting docuseries tells the whole story.

The Claus Family 3 (BE) (Netflix Film) When the delivery of presents goes wrong and Grandpa Noël gets in trouble, siblings Jules and Noor must work together to save Christmas. Can they do it?

Cyberbunker: The Criminal Underworld (DE) (Netflix Documentary) This documentary reveals how a group of hackers powered the darkest corners of the internet from a Cold War-era bunker in a quiet German tourist town.

Escaping Twin Flames (Netflix Documentary) From the Emmy-nominated filmmaking team behind Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult, comes Escaping Twin Flames, a three-part documentary series that pulls back the veil on Twin Flames Universe, a controversial online community that preys on people looking for love. 

Robbie Williams (UK) (Netflix Documentary) After 25 years of his record-breaking solo career, Robbie looks back on his younger self and reflects on a lifetime spent in the spotlight.

Akuma Kun (JP) (Netflix Anime) Akuma Kun, a boy raised by a demon, works with his half-human partner Mephisto III as paranormal investigators to solve various murder and mysteries.

Temple of Film: 100 Years of the Egyptian Theatre (Netflix Documentary) Guillermo del Toro, Rian Johnson and other film luminaries look back at LA's historic Egyptian Theatre as it returns to its former movie palace glory.

NOVEMBER 10

At the Moment (TW) (Netflix Series) This anthology series set during the pandemic follows 10 unique love stories of passion and heartache.

The Killer (Netflix Film) After a fateful near miss, an assassin battles his employers — and himself — on an international hunt for retribution he insists isn't personal.

Team Ninja Warrior: Season 2

NOVEMBER 11

Laguna Beach: Season 3  

Leaving 11/6/23 Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian

Leaving 11/10/23 Laguna Beach: Seasons 1-2

What to watch on Netflix

If you want to browse by specific genres, check out our guides to the best family movies on Netflix , best comedies on Netflix , best Netflix documentaries , best romantic movies on Netflix and the best horror movies on Netflix . 

Plus, dig into Netflix hidden features which will let you access secret categories, games and more.

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Brittany Vincent has been covering video games and tech for over 13 years for publications including Tom's Guide, MTV, Rolling Stone, CNN, Popular Science, Playboy, IGN, GamesRadar, Polygon, Kotaku, Maxim, and more. She's also appeared as a panelist at video game conventions like PAX East and PAX West and has coordinated social media for companies like CNET. When she's not writing or gaming, she's looking for the next great visual novel in the vein of Saya no Uta. You can follow her on Twitter @MolotovCupcake.

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Fall movie preview: 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' 'Joker: Folie a Deux,' 'Wicked' and 30 more great films to catch

Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. A Film by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which will be released only in theaters and IMAX on September 6, 2024 in North America. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Parisa Taghizadeh

This fall, Hollywood has one job: Keep summer’s box office momentum going.

Summer came in like a lamb but went out like a lion. Early misses such as the family-friendly fantasy "IF" and the action-epic "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" gave way to Pixar’s "Inside Out 2” and Marvel’s "Deadpool & Wolverine," both billion-dollar hits. Though ticket sales at one point had been down roughly 27% over last year, 2024 is now running only about 15% behind 2023 — not the best news, maybe, but an encouraging sign in this post-pandemic era.

So what will it take to keep audiences coming back to theaters? Hollywood’s plan is a familiar one: Offer a little something for everyone.

The most likely hits on the schedule are built on existing brands. That goes for family-friendly movies, such as the Broadway-to-film adaptation "Wicked" and Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," but also for grown-up films like the Bob Dylan biopic "The Complete Unknown" and the R-rated sequel "Joker: Folie à Deux." If you want something truly original, here's one: Francis Ford Coppola’s "Megalopolis," a wild-looking production whose story seems to conflate ancient Roman themes with modern-day drama.

One thing missing: A massive, end-of-year blockbuster like a "Star Wars" or an "Avatar." Instead, the final months of 2024 will lean on kid-targeted titles ("Moana 2," "Sonic the Hedgehog 3”) and muscular action movies ("Gladiator II," "Kraven the Hunter").

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Here are the big movies coming this fall (click on the links to see trailers).

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Michael Keaton returns in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River — and so does the trickster-demon Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton). Tim Burton redirects his original cast members Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, and adds newcomer Jenna Ortega.

THE KILLER'S GAME A hit man (Dave Bautista) with a terminal illness puts out a hit on himself — but then must stay alive to protect his imperiled ex-girlfriend (Sofia Boutella). It’s an action-comedy, from stuntman-turned-director J.J. Perry.

TRANSFORMERS ONE

(left-to-right): D-16 (voice of Brian Tyree Henry), B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key and Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson) in "Transformers One." Credit: Paramount Pictures

The animated origin story of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry), sworn enemies who once were friends. With Scarlett Johansson and Jon Hamm. Josh Cooley, of the Oscar-winning "Toy Story 4," directs.

WOLFS An action-comedy starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt as professional fixers hired to cover up a high-profile crime. The writer-director is Jon Watts, of the new "Spider-Man" films.

MEGALOPOLIS

Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in "Megalopolis." Credit: Lionsgate

Coppola’s new fantasia sets a Roman epic in an alternate America. Characters include the idealistic Caesar Catilina (Adam Driver), the corrupt Mayor Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito) and television journalist Wow Platinum (Aubrey Plaza).

THE WILD ROBOT An animated adventure with Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of Roz, a robot shipwrecked on an island full of lively animals. With Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill and Stephanie Hsu.

LEE Kate Winslet plays Lee Miller, an American fashion model who became a World War II correspondent for Vogue. She photographed the siege of Saint-Malo, the liberation of Paris and the horrors of Dachau.

JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX

Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker and Lady Gaga as Lee Quinzel in “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Niko Tavernise

Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, aka The Joker, who meets music therapist Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). The film’s French title translates as "madness of two." Directed and cowritten by Dix Hills’ Todd Phillips.

SATURDAY NIGHT

The cast of "Saturday Night Live," from left, Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle), Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt), John Belushi (Matt Wood) and Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O'Brien). Credit: Columbia Pictures/Hopper Stone

Jason Reitman ("Up in the Air") re-creates the making of the first episode of "Saturday Night Live" with a cast of mostly newcomers, plus Willem Dafoe, J.K. Simmons and Dylan O’Brien. Fun fact: The movie’s release date is also the show’s 1975 debut date.

PIECE BY PIECE Rapper-producer Pharrell Williams tells his life story using LEGO animation. This is the toy company’s fifth feature film, and its first under a new deal with Universal. The voice cast includes Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani and Uniondale’s Busta Rhymes.

ANORA Brighton Beach stripper (Mikey Madison) and a young Russian playboy (Mark Eidelstein) fall in love, to the dismay of his parents. It’s the latest sex-work comedy-drama from writer-director Sean Baker ("Tangerine," "Red Rocket").

FLIGHT RISK Mel Gibson directs Mark Wahlberg in a thriller about a U.S. air marshal who must ferry a fugitive (Topher Grace) to trial. Michelle Dockery ("Downton Abbey") co-stars.

SMILE 2 In Parker Finn’s sequel to his 2022 hit horror film, a global pop star (Naomi Scott) begins to experience strange events.

NICKEL BOYS An adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel about Black teenagers who enter a Jim Crow-era reformatory system. It’s directed by RaMell Ross, whose previous film, the documentary, "Hale County This Morning, This Evening," earned an Oscar nod for 2018. Starring Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson.

VENOM: THE LAST DANCE Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock, a journalist who shares his body with a violent alien symbiote. It’s the third (and final?) entry in one of Marvel’s weirder franchises.

A REAL PAIN

Kieran Culkin, left, and Jesse Eisenberg in "A Real Pain." Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network") writes, directs and stars in a comedy-drama about two mismatched cousins on a trip to Poland. It premiered at Sundance, where co-star Kieran Culkin earned rave reviews and Eisenberg won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award.

HERE Tom Hanks and Robin Wright reteam with their "Forrest Gump" director Robert Zemeckis (and screenwriter Eric Roth) for a multifamily, multigenerational drama. Based on Richard McGuire’s graphic novel. With Kelly Reilly and Paul Bettany.

THE PIANO LESSON

John David Washington as Boy Willie and Skylar Smith as Maretha in "The Piano Lesson." Credit: Netflix

Two sons of Denzel Washington — actor John David Washington and first-time feature director Malcolm Washington — adapt August Wilson’s play about a family fighting over a prized piano. With Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler ("Till") and Erykah Badu.

CHRISTMAS EVE IN MILLER’S POINT A seasonal comedy-drama from Smithtown filmmakers Tyler Taormina and his co-writer Eric Berg. Inspired by their own friends and family, and shot in their hometown. Starring Michael Cera, Francesca Scorsese and Sawyer Spielberg.

Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans star in "Red One." Credit: Prime/Karen Neal

A security agent (Dwayne Johnson) and a bounty hunter (Chris Evans) team up to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons). Directed by Jake Kasdan, of the new "Jumanji" films.

HERETIC In a rare horror-movie turn, Hugh Grant plays Mr. Reed, the oh-so-friendly fellow who answers the door when two young missionaries come knocking. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods ("A Quiet Place:).

GLADIATOR II

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in in "Gladiator II." Credit: Paramount Pictures/Aidan Monaghan

Paul Mescal ("All of Us Strangers") takes the starring role in Ridley Scott’s sequel to "Gladiator," his swords-and-sandals Oscar-winner from 2000. With Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen.

Ariana Granda is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in "Wicked." Credit: Universal Pictures

The Oz-inspired Broadway musical comes to the big screen with Cynthia Erivo as the future Wicked Witch (aka Elphaba) and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda. Jon M. Chu, of "Crazy Rich Asians," directs.

Auli'l Cravalho returns for "Moana 2." Credit: Disney

Disney’s animated sequel, with Auli’i Cravalho in the title role and Dwayne Johnson as the Polynesian demigod Maui, looks like a hit already; it has Thanksgiving weekend virtually to itself.

NIGHTBITCH After putting her career on pause, a stay-at-home mom (Amy Adams) begins turning into a dog. Written and directed by Marielle Heller ("Can You Ever Forgive Me?") from Rachel Yoder’s novel. 

THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT Writer-director Tyler Perry tells the story of the first — and only — Women’s Army Corps of color to serve overseas in World War II. With Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Susan Sarandon and Oprah Winfrey.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM An animé entry in the cinematic Tolkien universe. Brian Cox voices Helm Hammerhand, king of Rohan. Peter Jackson is an executive producer; Kenji Kamiyama directs.

KRAVEN THE HUNTER The origin story of Kraven (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a vengeful Marvel villain. Russell Crowe plays his problematic dad. Directed by J.C. Chandor ("Margin Call").

MUFASA: THE LION KING

Mufasa (voiced by Braelyn Rankins) in "Mufasa: The Lion King." Credit: Disney

The story of Mufasa and Taka — one a future king, the other a future villain. Barry Jenkins ("Moonlight") directs Disney’s photoreal-animated prequel. With the voices of Aaron Pierre, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner.

BABYGIRL In a gender-flipped thriller, a high-powered CEO (Nicole Kidman) begins an affair with a much younger intern (Harris Dickinson). Written and directed by Halina Reijn.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3

Knuckles (Idris Elba), Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) in "Sonic the Hedgehog 3." Credit: Paramount Pictures/Sega of Ameri

The live-action/animated sequel features Keanu Reeves as the voice of the antihero Shadow — at least according to reports. Here’s what we do know: Regular cast members Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey and James Marsden return.

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown." Credit: Searchlight Pictures/Macall Polay

Timothée Chalamet plays a young Bob Dylan. Skeptical about that casting? The online trailers might change your mind. Directed and cowritten by James Mangold ("Logan," "Cop Land"). With Elle Fanning and Edward Norton.

NOSFERATU A vampire becomes infatuated with a young woman in the latest from art-horror maestro Robert Eggers ("The Witch," "The Lighthouse"). Starring Emma Corrin, Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Willem Dafoe.

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