Disney is making its return to Christmas and Holiday family films, where they held a tight hold in the early 2000’s on the market, with Nicole, a new film featuring a female Santa Clause. The film has officially added a new actor to the cast, signing on Billy Eichner, according to Variety. Eichner is known for his roles in his comedy trivia show Billy on the Street, sitcom Parks and Recreation, and in the creepy Fox show American Horror Story: Cult. Eichner has not yet officially been given a named role in the film, leaving his part unspecified.
The film has no association with the Santa Clause trilogy featuring Tim Allen as titular character, yet entertains a fairly familiar story to the first Santa Clause. This time, however, it will center on a female character as she dons the mantle of the famous holiday figure.
Nicole will focus on the daughter of Santa Clause. After her father’s retirement, it comes time to decide who will succeed him and deliver all the Christmas gifts. While her brother could have become the new Saint Nick, his nerves prevent him from pulling off the job. This leaves Nicole with the important mission to continue holiday customs.
Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates) will be playing Nicole Claus. Bill Hader (Superbad, Saturday Night Live) will co-star. Marc Lawrence (Miss Congeniality, Music and Lyrics) will serve the dual role of writer and director for the film, which has a current release date of November 9, 2019. Disney is also working on another Christmas film, helmed by Kevin Hart, known as Dashing Through The Snow, which is still in pre-production.