Netflix Reveals Ed Sheeran To Perform An Original Song For The Animated Film That Christmas
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Carl Roberts 
Netflix delivers an early Christmas present with the news Ed Sheeran will provide an original song for the animated movie That Christmas.
Netflix is thrilled to announce that Ed Sheeran has written and recorded an original song for Locksmith Animation’s (Ron’s Gone Wrong) upcoming CG animated feature That Christmas. The track titled “Under The Tree” will feature in the animated film that will come to Netflix on Friday 6th December.
Produced by Locksmith Animation. Directed by animation veteran Simon Otto (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy). Penned by Richard Curtis and Peter Souter, the film stars Brian Cox as Santa. Fiona Shaw (Ms. Trapper). Jodie Whittaker (Mrs. Williams). And Bill Nighy (Bill) as the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas.
ED SHEERAN
Ed Sheeran said:
“I’ve been mates with Richard Curtis for years, and we’ve done a load of fun work for charity, and then both were heavily involved in the movie Yesterday. He came to me two years ago to play me the rough of That Christmas. It was just sketches and voices, but it blew me away. So emotional, yet so heartwarmingly funny, like all Richard Curtis movies. I find since having kids, there’s a real lack of great animated children’s Christmas movies, so I thought this was such an amazing thing to make and put into the world. The scene that we wrote this song for is so heartbreaking, but so real for many people at Christmas spending it without the ones they love, for so many reasons.
I got to work with my older brother on this which is such a rarity and a gift to work so closely with my only sibling, it felt so good to create something my children would watch, with their uncle, based in the country they live in. I find it mad that there isn’t more animated Christmas films for kids, but this is going to become a holiday staple, at least in our household. Hope everyone loves it, and enjoys the song, we had such a great time creating it. x”
SIMON OTTO
Director Simon Otto said:
“I’m beside myself for finally being able to talk about this small Christmas miracle that had landed in our film’s stocking. An original song by Ed Sheeran. Ed’s song inspired us to shape the key emotional moment in the film in a different way and it allowed us to interconnect the storylines in a way we couldn’t see before. The song has become the heart of the film ever since and it motivated us artists to bring our best and live up to the beauty and honesty it brings to the film. I’ll be forever grateful to Ed for gifting us with such an honest and beautiful piece.”
RICHARD CURTIS
Co-writer and Executive Producer Richard Curtis said:
“I’m SO thrilled to have Ed’s beautiful song in our movie. It’s a film set in Suffolk… Ed lives in and loves Suffolk and completely understood the pitch and tone of what we were trying to do. We’ve been friends for many years and – especially now that he’s a husband and a father – it’s really lovely to have him play such a key part in this film about love, children and family. And, of course, even if he wasn’t a friend and didn’t love Suffolk, how marvellous to have a wonderful new song by one of the greatest British songwriters EVER.”
PREMISE
Based on the charming trilogy of children’s books by beloved multi-award-winning writer/director Richard Curtis. That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake. Not to mention an enormous number of turkeys! This heartwarming comedy from Locksmith Animation marks Curtis’ first foray into animation, serving as the film’s writer and executive producer. And also the feature directorial debut of renowned animation veteran Simon Otto. Nicole P. Hearon (Moana, Frozen) and Adam Tandy (The Thick of It, Detectorists) are producers.
CREDITS
Directed by Simon Otto
Written by Richard Curtis & Peter Souter
Produced by Nicole P. Hearon p.g.a, Adam Tandy p.g.a
Exec Produced by Mary Coleman, Natalie Fischer, Julie Lockhart, Elisabeth Murdoch, Bonnie Arnold, Lara Breay, Sarah Smith, Rebecca Cobb, Richard Curtis, Colin Hopkins
Starring Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienna Sayer, Jack Wisniewski, Rosie Cavaliero, Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, Andy Nyman, Kuhu Agarwal, Bronte Smith, Freddie Spry, Ava Talbot, with Bill Nighy and Rhys Darby.
Music by John Powell
That Christmas will premiere globally on December 6th on Netflix.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
