Of all the stories associated with the holiday season, none have seen as many screen adaptations as “A Christmas Carol.” However, there hasn’t been a high-profile live-action update of the beloved Charles Dickens’ novella since 1992’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” That’s due to change with the premiere of “Spirited,” an upcoming feature-length musical from Apple TV+ reprising the classic tale in a contemporary setting.
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This time, Ebenezer Scrooge is played by the ubiquitous Ryan Reynolds, coming off lead performances in both “Free Guy” and “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.” Reynolds has flexed his singing chops before, both in movies and on South Korean television, but this is the first full-blown musical he’s ever filmed. Meanwhile, the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present is portrayed by the one and only Will Ferrell, who similarly has never before uncorked his— ahem—distinctive vocal stylings in such an unironic context. (Let’s just say he’s come a long way since his days impersonating Robert Goulet.) Supporting players include Octavia Spencer (“Hidden Figures”) and Sunita Mani (“GLOW”), presumably as the Ghosts of Christmas Future and Past.
In addition to their acting duties, Reynolds and Ferrell co-produced alongside George Dewey, Jessica Elbaum, and writer/directors Sean Anders and John Morris. Anders and Morris are best known for shepherding broad star-driven studio comedies like “Horrible Bosses 2” and “Daddy’s Home” to financial success and critical ambivalence, though the pair’s last two projects (“Daddy’s Home 2” and “Instant Family”) have been more warmly received.
Although musicals don’t comprise a substantial portion of Apple TV+’s original content, its musical comedy series “Schmigadoon” has become one of the year’s sleeper hits. Now that the streamer has broken into the big leagues with a Best Picture Oscar, subscribers can expect more where that came from.
Just in time for the holidays, “Spirited” will premiere in theaters on November 11 and globally on Apple TV+ on November 18, 2022. Watch the first teaser trailer below.