You heard it right here first: That is the yr with an ode to the legendary lasting legacy of the beloved 1974 ABC Christmas particular, “The Yr With out a Santa Claus.” And simply because the stop-motion animated characteristic celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, it’s time to maybe think about a (ahem, one other) live-action reimagining. Why? Nicely, Gen Z has no concept what this basic piece of cinema historical past even is, and if we’re getting Disney live-action remakes nonstop, why not take the identical method to a special IP through the Rankin/Bass catalogue?
Famed animators Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. co-directed the 1974 TV particular movie, which premiered December 10, 1974 on ABC. The characteristic debuted precisely a decade after Rankin/Bass’ “Rudolph the Purple-Nosed Reindeer” and was initially conceived as a sequel to “Santa Claus is Comin’ to City.” William J. Keenan wrote “The Yr With out a Santa Claus,” which was primarily based on a 1957 guide written by Pulitzer Prize-winning creator Phyllis McGinley.
The story facilities on Santa, who catches a chilly proper earlier than his massive day AKA Christmas Eve. Whereas Mrs. Claus tries to each aide her ailing husband and discover a substitute gift-giver to drive the sleigh that evening, she encounters Mom Nature and her two sons, the scene-stealing Snowmiser and Heatmiser. Mrs. Claus has to persuade the brothers to let it snow simply this as soon as on a specific small city, the place two elves have traveled to to rescue Rudolph who’s being saved in a canine pound (it’s an extended, however very entertaining, story. Watch it!).
“The Yr With out a Santa Claus” featured a number of new renditions of basic Christmas songs, together with “Blue Christmas,” “Anybody Can Be Santa,” and “Right here Comes Santa Claus.” Oh, and did we point out simply how campy the movie is?
Whereas a live-action remake did air on NBC in 2006, it’s time for a full-out, A-list tackle this basic.
Certain, we don’t know what the state of the IP rights for “The Yr With out a Santa Claus” is, nor do we all know who may direct this adaptation (Jon M. Chu appears to have his arms full with “Depraved Half Two” and Lin-Manuel Miranda is coupled up with Disney, too.)
Cue up Christmas icon Richard Curtis for a musical characteristic debut! He did simply direct Ed Sheeran’s music video for “Beneath The Tree,” which was an authentic tune for Curtis’ first animated movie “That Christmas.”
Or have Baz Luhrmann give us his Christmas epic, with an Elvis Presley reference with “Blue Christmas” and all.
However Luca Guadagnino’s tackle this may, as Chris Pine mentioned of his dream director for “Princess Diaries 3,” be “fucking fireplace.” We have already got a Heatmiser pun! And talking of the Miser Bros., “The Yr With out a Santa Claus” is extremely “Queer”-coded, as properly.
Under, take a look at our picks for who ought to play which character if Hollywood ever decides to convey “The Yr With out a Santa Claus” to the live-action massive display screen to toast to its fiftieth anniversary.
Brian Cox as Santa
Sure, this half is generally for a Santa that’s bedridden and sneezing, however the “Succession” icon already has voiced Santa in Richard Curtis’ Netflix movie “That Christmas” so it looks as if he’s midway there. And we already know that Cox can carry a tune as properly. Mickey Rooney voiced the character within the authentic animated movie.
Patti LuPone as Mrs. Claus
This might simply be our “Agatha All Alongside” fandom speaking however Broadway legend Patti LuPone famously elevates something that she’s in. We’d love for LuPone to channel her “Beau Is Afraid” narcissistic maternal power to offer a pricklier take to North Pole celeb Mrs. Claus, who’s the actual hero of “The Yr With out a Santa Claus” regardless of not even getting her identify within the title. Emmy, Oscar, and Tony winner Shirley Sales space had her last position as Mrs. Claus within the authentic movie; the character additionally narrates the characteristic.
Nicole Kidman as Mom Nature
Our reigning queen of 2024 Nicole Kidman would little doubt gas extra memes if she had been to tackle the supporting position of Mom Nature, who not solely guidelines the climate but in addition has to tame her two quarreling sons. We’re considering an AMC advert meets “Aquaman” efficiency for Kidman, with a splash of the holistic guru charisma from “9 Excellent Strangers.” And Kidman is a musical professional, as her beloved “Moulin Rouge!” flip, amongst others, reminds us.
Barry Keoghan as Heatmiser
Barry Keoghan has already immortalized himself with not one however two dance scenes in “Saltburn” and “Hen,” plus he’s appeared in Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” music video. The actor is ready to proceed his musical legacy by portraying Ringo Starr within the four-part movie collection about The Beatles, directed by Sam Mendes. Keoghan’s filmography, significantly in “Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “Saltburn” (plus what would have been his disturbing “Gladiator II” position), makes him a no brainer decide for the hotheaded brother who controls all warmth waves.
Josh O’Connor as Snowmiser
OK, this was a difficult one: There may have been a “Babygirl” reunion between Kidman and Harris Dickinson if he was to play Snowmiser, particularly after that “Father Determine” dance scene. This additionally may have been Paul Mescal’s position to take, persevering with his Beatles ensemble with Keoghan and likewise capitalizing on his theater background, as most not too long ago showcased by his musical spoof of “Gladiator II” throughout his “SNL” internet hosting gig December 7. Nevertheless, we’ve got to pick the one and solely Josh O’Connor. We already know O’Connor can maintain his personal in energy play video games onscreen, and a musical simply is likely to be the right “Problem-rs” for the star.