Gerard Butler, known for his rugged action-hero roles, takes on an unexpected challenge in the animated TV film The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland.
While the character he portrays, Santa Claus, shares his trademark beard, the similarities between the two end there.
The Scottish actor, famous for roles in 300 (2006), Olympus Has Fallen (2013), and Kandahar (2023), embraces the festive spirit with humor and charm.
The film blends Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas with Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, creating a whimsical adventure where Santa and his reindeer venture into Wonderland.
Their mission? To restore the Queen of Hearts’ Christmas spirit with the help of Alice and the Mad Hatter.
According to Butler, the film “goes bonkers,” promising a wild and entertaining holiday treat.
Butler’s Santa is far from traditional, portraying a lovable and somewhat clueless figure who revels in his role.
“It’s awesome to make these kinds of movies that families can watch together during Christmas,” he shares. Butler believes the project could become a holiday classic.
The film also marks Butler’s return to singing, a talent he previously showcased in The Phantom of the Opera (2004).
He embraced the role with enthusiasm, saying, “The second I read this script, I could hear my voice and see those little moments. That Scottish accent really lends itself to a bombastic, fun Santa.”
For Butler, the holiday season is all about reconnecting with family and friends in Scotland, where he spends most Christmases.
Reflecting on his festive traditions, he jokes about the inevitable family squabbles and smashed glasses, which he considers part of a “good Scottish Christmas.”
The Sky Original film, based on Carys Bexington’s bestselling book illustrated by Kate Hindley, features a star-studded voice cast.
Butler is joined by Emilia Clarke as the Queen of Hearts and Simone Ashley as Alice. For Butler, playing Santa Claus is a dream fulfilled.
“I’ve finally conquered it,” he says with pride. “I’m playing Santa.”
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