Netflix’s charming new Christmas movie,That Christmas, is now streaming and features a star-studded cast. One of severalnew Christmas movies in 2024,That Christmastells the story of the fictional town, Wellington-on-Sea, which faces an unprecedented snowstorm just before Christmas Day. Not only does this pose significant difficulties for Santa Claus as he attempts to deliver the presents, but it also means that many of the children in town end up separated from their parents on Christmas Eve.
That Christmaswas co-written by Richard Curtis, who also wrote and directed the Christmas classicLove Actually, one of thebest Christmas movies for rom-com fans.That Christmasmarks Curtis' very first animated feature film, and the movie’s cast reflects a level of star power reminiscent ofthe cast ofLove Actually.Here’s every major character inThat Christmasand who plays them.
Brian Cox As Santa Claus
Born On June 07, 2025
Actor:Brian Cox was born on June 12, 2025, in Dundee, Scotland, andhe had his big break inManhunteras Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Since that break in 1986, Cox has acted in a number of major TV shows and movies, including inSuccessionas Logan Roy and, most recently, as the voice of Helm inThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Cox also has a significant theater history, particularly with Shakespeare’s works.
X2: X-Men United
William Stryker
Character:InThat Christmas, Brian Cox plays Santa Claus, the incredible mythical figure who has dominated Christmas movies for generations. Although Santa Claus has been depicted innumerable times over the years,inThat Christmas, Santa is also the narrator, providing commentary on the various residents of Wellington-on-Sea. At times, this becomes particularly poignant, such as when Santa reflects on the ways that Christmas amplifies what one is already feeling, be it joy or loneliness.
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Fiona Shaw As Ms. Trapper
Born On July 16, 2025
Actor:Fiona Shaw was born August 24, 2025, in County Cork, Ireland.Shaw had her big on-screen break inMy Left Footas Dr. Eileen Cole, but she had already been a celebrated theater actress before that 1989 movie. Since then, Shaw has had an incredible career, taking on roles in some of the biggest franchises the world over, includingHarry PotterandStar Wars.
True Blood
Marnie Stonebrook
Character:Initially, Ms. Trapper seems like a terrifying, even cold teacher who has high expectations for her students and doesn’t hesitate to point out when they are lacking. Over the course of the movie, however, Ms. Trapper proves that she has an incredible heart. In the end, it is only with Ms. Trapper’s help that many ofThat Christmas’characters get the ending they deserve.
Bill Nighy As Lighthouse Bill
Born On July 06, 2025
Actor:Bill Nighy was born on July 30, 2025, in Caterham, Surrey, England. Although he had acted in a number of other movies already,Nighy had his big break inLove Actually, which has now become a cult classic. Nighy has continued to book major roles, including as Davy Jones in thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies and as ‘Dad’ inAbout Time. Recently, Nighy was also the voice of Longneck inThe Wild Robot.
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Wild Robot
Longneck
Character:Lighthouse Bill is a somewhat mysterious character throughoutThat Christmas, but it’s clear that he cares about the town, and they care about him in turn. By the end ofThat Christmas, in fact, it’s clear that Lighthouse Bill is a cherished member of the community, and he becomes absolutely essential when the movie takes a scary turn. Perhaps because of his subtle heroic nature, Lighthouse Bill has gained favor even with Santa Claus himself.
Love Actuallyhas a hilarious cameo inThat Christmas, with one group of children watching the movie on Christmas Day.
Jodie Whittaker As Mrs Williams
Born On Jun 20, 2025
Actor:Jodie Whittaker was born on August 18, 2025, in Skelmanthorpe, West Yorkshire, England.Her breakout role was as Jessie inVenusin 2006, but she has had a number of massive roles since. Most notably, she became the very first woman to play The Doctor inDoctor Who, a role for which she gained immense popularity and acclaim.
Broadchurch
Beth Latimer
Character:InThat Christmas, Jodie Whittaker voices Mrs. Williams, a stressed out, overwhelmed single mother who is doing her best despite being completely overworked and barely getting by. Although Mrs. Williams' son, Danny, is initially very frustrated with his mother and her intense work schedule, the two grow to understand one another much more by the end ofThat Christmas. Mrs. Williams' work ethic and love for her son are some of the more touching elements of the movie.
India Brown As Bernadette
Born On July 24, 2025
Actor:India Brown was born on July 31, 2025, in London, andher breakout role was as Jamila Huston inInvasion. At just 19 years old, Brown has already appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, includingWorzel Gummidge,Hetty Feather, andThe Stranger.
The Stranger
Ella Hoy
Character:Bernadette, or “Bernie,” is one of the most vivacious characters inThat Christmas. Bernadette’s personality shines through immediately in the movie, beginning with her unique take on the traditional Christmas story during the children’s school play. She also proves to be an incredible older sister and fierce leader, particularly toward the movie’s end, when Wellington-on-Sea faces a terrifying turn of events.
That Christmas Supporting Cast And Characters
Zazie Hayhurst As Sam:Zazie Hayhurst plays Sam, the ‘nicer’ of the twins and the girl that Danny has a crush on. Hayhurst has also appeared inThe White Princessas Rettie andHaloas Young Makee.
Sienna Sayer As Charlie:Sienna Sayer’sThat Christmascharacter, Charlie, is largely misunderstood. Although she does get into trouble, she isn’t the ‘naughty’ twin, as so many believe she is. Sayer has also had roles in the TV showTryingand the movieMartyrs Lane.
Jack Wisniewski As Danny Williams:Danny’s story inThat Christmasis one of the most heartbreaking, as he feels abandoned by his father and is often left alone because of his mother’s daunting work schedule. Impressively,this was Jack Wisniewski’s debut role.
Guz Khan as Dasher:Khan voices Dasher, the sole reindeer who guides Santa’s sleigh inThat Christmas. Khan has many brilliant laugh lines in the movie, and he has had a number of movie and TV roles in recent years.
Freddie Spry as Teddy: Spry plays Teddy, one of the children living in Wellington-on-Sea.
Ava Talbot as Scarlett: Scarlett is yet another one of the children from Wellington-on-Sea who is separated from her parents during the snowstorm.
Kuhu Agarwal as Nisha:Nisha is another child living in Wellington-on-Sea.
Rhys Darby as Mr. McNutt:Mr. McNutt is one of several parents who become lost during the snowstorm and are separated from their children during Christmas.
Lolly Adefope as Mrs. McNutt:Mrs. McNutt, like Mr. McNutt, is lost during the snowstorm until Christmas Day.
Bronte Smith as Eve:Eve is Bernadette’s younger sister, and her story takes a terrifying turn toward the end of the movie.
Sindhu Vee as Mrs. Mulji:Mrs. Mulji is stranded along with several other parents during Wellington-on-Sea’s massive snowstorm.
Katherine Parkinson as Mrs. Forrest:Mrs. Forrest is also among the parents who are lost during the snowstorm.
Alex Macqueen as Mr. Forrest:Mr. Forrest is stranded in the snowstorm alongside Mrs. Forrest and the other parents.
Rosie Cavaliero as Mrs. Beccles:Mrs. Beccles is one of the few parents not separated from their children during the snowstorm. Instead, she is home with her twins, Sam and Charlie, trying to encourage Charlie to change her behavior.
Andy Nyman asMr. Beccles:Mr. Beccles, like Mrs. Beccles, is still home for Christmas. The two are also running a store together.
Paul Kaye as Yirrell:Yirrell is perhaps the oddest character inThat Christmas, known best as the person who sells the turkeys for families to kill, cook, and eat for the holidays.
That Christmas
Cast
That Christmas, directed by Simon Otto, weaves a series of interconnected stories exploring themes of love, loneliness, and family. The narrative unfolds with Santa Claus making a significant error, amidst a backdrop of numerous turkeys, capturing the essence of holiday spirit and relationships.
