There have been many, many iterations of the classic story from “A Christmas Carol,” but “Spirited” is the only one that’s a movie musical starring jokesters Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. The new holiday movie is coming to theaters and Apple TV+ next month, just in time for your Christmas movie marathon.
Per the description of the streamer’s trailer that arrived Oct. 12, “Spirited” isn’t the “Christmas Carol” your “great great great great great great grandparents” are familiar with. In this modern update, Reynolds plays Ebenezer Scrooge, while Ferrell portrays the Ghost of Christmas Present. The holiday film also stars Octavia Spencer, though her role has yet to be announced.
Both Ferrell and Reynolds are already pros when it comes to Christmas movies. Ferrell, of course, plays Buddy the titular elf in the modern classic “Elf,” which also stars Zooey Deschanel. Meanwhile, Reynolds starred in 2005’s “Just Friends,” a Christmas rom-com with Amy Smart and Anna Faris.
It’ll be interesting to see the unique twist the famous friends put on their version of “A Christmas Carol.” In the classic tale, first published by Charles Dickens in 1843, Scrooge, a miserly, lonely old man, is convinced by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come to change his ways and be a giving member of his community. Other iconic characters from the story include Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit. The story has been brought to life countless times in film and television adaptations, with some of the most famous being “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” starring Michael Caine and the Muppets; 1970’s “Scrooge,” which gave us the song “Thank You Very Much”; and 1988’s “Scrooged,” starring Bill Murray.
Read on for everything we know about “Spirited,” including the trailer, cast, music, and release date.