‘The Christmas House’: Release date, plot, cast and all you need to know about Hallmark’s first married gay couple
Hallmark films are known for their plots focusing on love, warmth and soulful connections. In a first-of-its-kind move, the network is bringing a unique film, ‘The Christmas House’ to audiences this holiday season. The romance drama, featuring a same-sex couple on their journey to adopt a child, is touted to be different from the usual Hallmark films. The channel aims to herald its values based on diversity and inclusion with this exciting movie. The fact that the movie shall have an LGTBQ relationship makes it one of the most anticipated films from the channel and indeed conveys Hallmark’s refreshing vision.
Before we head to watch the movie, here is all we need to know about ‘The Christmas House’.
Release Date
'The Christmas House' premieres Sunday, November 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.
Plot
The synopsis of the film reads, “Working through some difficult decisions, Mitchell family matriarch Phylis and patriarch Bill, have summoned their two grown sons – TV star, Mike Mitchell and Brandon Mitchell – home for the holidays. It is their hope that bringing the family together to recreate the Christmas house, will help them find resolution and make a memorable holiday for the entire family and community. As Brandon and his husband Jake make the trip home, they are anxiously awaiting a call about the adoption of their first child. Meanwhile, Mike reconnects with Andi, his high school sweetheart.”
Cast
Ana Ayora as Andi
Ana Ayora is a Columbian American actress born in Miami, Florida. She is best known for playing Nina Cruz in the original series BANSHEE’. She was last seen as Sarah Barnes in a CW drama series ‘In The Dark’ and played the role of Witcher in Captain Marvel’s, ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D’.
Her career began with roles in projects like ‘Castle’ and playing Viviana in ‘Marley & Me’ opposite actress Jennifer Aniston. However, her career got a kick start with the role of Nuria Soto in ‘The Big Wedding’, a comedy with co-stars like icon Robert De Niro and Diane Keaton.
Sharon Lawrence as Phylis
Sharon Lawrence is an American actress born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is best known for playing Sylvia Costas Sipowicz in the drama series ‘NYPD Blue’. She also played prominent roles on some hit series ‘Shameless’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Desperate Housewives’.Her other credits include ‘Monk’, ‘Law and Order SVU’, ’Rizzoli & Isles’, and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ to name a few. Her recent television credits include roles opposite Sir Patrick Steward in ‘Blunt Talk’ and episodes of NBC’s ‘Game of Silence’.
Jonathan Bennett as Brandon
Born in 1981, Jonathan D. Bennett is an actor and model. He is widely popular for his roles as Aaron Samuels in the 2004 comedy film ‘Mean Girls’ and Bud McNulty in ‘Cheaper by the Dozen 2’.The actor has had recurring roles as Casey Gant in the UPN mystery drama ‘Veronica Mars’ and has hosted ‘Halloween Wars’, and ‘Cake Wars’.Jonathan’s other credits include Lifetime’s ‘Holiday High School Reunion’,’The Assistants’, ‘Slightly Single in L.A.’, ‘Memorial Day’ and ‘Divorce Invitation’ to name some.
Brad Harder as Jake
Brad Harder was raised in Grande Prairie and shifted to Edmonton. He embarked on a career in modeling and doing commercial work. The actor has kept his passion alive for acting and has been featured in many films and series. Some of his notable credits include CW’s Supernatural', DC’s 'Legends of Tomorrow', and Bravo’s 'Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce', along with many Hallmark films.
Hallmark mentions that Brad’s most special experience in the industry has been his groundbreaking supporting lead role in Hallmark’s 'The Christmas House'. In this film, "he and Jonathan Bennett play the first married gay couple on Hallmark with his real-life son, Kael, in the role of their son."
Creator
The movie ‘On the 12th Date of Christmas’ is from Twelve Dates Pictures Inc. The film has Stan Spry as executive producer and Anthony Fankhauser as a co-executive producer. The film is directed by Gary Yates and scripted by Christine Conradt and Jamie Pachino.
Trailer
MEAWW has not received the trailer for the movie. Circle back for more updates.
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