'A Christmas Carol': Release date, plot, cast, trailer, and everything you need to know about FX's adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale

Writer Steven Knight takes an eerie stab at this adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol', a ghost story by Charles Dickens, debuting on Fox network this December.
PUBLISHED NOV 26, 2019

'A Christmas Carol',  a favorite among the millennials, narrates the importance of morals while bringing in the suspense of the ghosts from Christmas' past. FOX released a new trailer giving fans a glimpse into the grisly details of the upcoming eerie holiday story which is an adaption from Charles Dickens' ghost story led by main character Ebenezer Scrooge., While most know this iconic story, this adaptation is far from a happy ending expected in most holiday movies; fans are instead taken on the dark side of a snowy holiday!

Release Date

The three-part special is set to air on December 19, 2019 on FX.

Plot

For those unaware of the classic tale, 'A Christmas Carol' follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean guy who is taught the error of his ways by ghosts that visit him on Christmas night. He is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, and by three others - the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. We get to witness his journey through his unhappy childhood, as a money-obsessed adult and a daunting future. With visions of his upcoming life haunting him, Scrooge unexpectedly welcomes Christmas day with all its joy and excitement. 

Cast

Guy Pearce of A Christmas Carol speaks during the FX segment of the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Getty Images)

The character of Ebenezer Scrooge described as "aloof and miserable" will be brought to life by Guy Pearce. The Australian actor, musician, singer and songwriter is well known for his roles 'Memento' (2000), 'The King's Speech' (2010), 'Iron Man 3' (2013) among many others. The characters of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future are played by Andy Serkis ('Rise of the Planet of the Apes'), Charlotte Riley ('Peaky Blinders') and Jason Flemyng ('Pennyworth') respectively.

The ghost of Scrooge's old business partner, Jacob Marley, will be played by Stephen Graham ('Irish Man'). The cast also features Joe Alwyn and Vinette Robinson.

Charlotte Riley plays the role of the ghost of Christmas Present in the upcoming FOX adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol.' (Getty Images)

Creators

The story is written by Steven Knight who is famously known for creating 'Peaky Blinders' that was awarded Best Drama Series at the BAFTA Television Awards. This dark holiday tale is produced by FX Productions in association with the BBC, Scott Free and Tom Hardy’s Hardy Son & Baker. It is directed by Nick Murphy in a three-part special that shows a shadowy side of the magical Christmas night.

(L-R) Guy Pearce, Andy Serkis and Joe Alwyn of A Christmas Carol speak during the FX segment of the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.

Trailer

From the creators of 'Peaky Blinders', the trailer erupts with a ghoulish insider view into the ghastly journey of Ebenezer Scrooge.



 

Where to watch:

Catch FX’s 'A Christmas Carol' on Thursday, December 19, at 7:30 pm ET.
It will also replay on December 22 at 7:30 and will air again during the holidays - December 24, at 8pm and December 25, at 4 pm.

If you like this, you will love these:

'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
'Krampus'
'A Christmas Horror Story'
'Silent Night, Deadly Night'

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