As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for all things Christmas, I must say that the diverse array of actors playing Santa Claus in these recent films is truly a sight to behold! From Jack Black’s double duty as both Santa and Satan in “Dear Santa” to Brian Cox’s voiceover role in the animated “That Christmas,” these talented individuals have brought their unique experiences and charisma to the jolly old man in red.
A slew of actors have played Santa Claus over the years, in various forms.
No matter your holiday mood, there is a Santa to suit it. There is the reluctant Santa (Tim Allen in The Santa Clause), the con man Santa (Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa), the rockin’ Santa (Kurt Russell in The Christmas Chronicles), the violent Santa (David Harbour in Violent Night) and the sincere, jolly Santa who gets kidnapped (J.K. Simmons in Red One).
Essentially, not every depiction of Santa Claus should resemble the plump, rosy-cheeked, twinkling-eyed character from Clement Clarke Moore’s popular poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”). In simpler terms, you might encounter various interpretations of Santa Claus that deviate from this classic image.
Read on to see a list of 20 actors who have taken on the role.
This tale was initially released in December 2016, and it’s been continually expanded since then by adding new elements.
Tim Allen in ‘The Santa Clause’
1994 saw the release of a humorous family movie titled “The Santa Clause,” in which Allen portrays a divorced man who, on Christmas Eve, unintentionally slays a Santa look-alike. This incident leads him to the North Pole where he assumes Santa’s responsibilities after an initial disbelief that it’s all just a surreal dream. However, as events unfold, he starts to accept the reality when he mysteriously puts on weight and grows a voluminous white beard.
The movie led to the creation of two follow-ups: “Santa Clause 2” from 2002 and “Santa Clause 3: Escape Clause” in 2006. Later, Allen continued playing the character for Disney+’s series “The Santa Clauses,” which premiered in November 2022 and was renewed for a second season just a month later.
Ed Asner in ‘Elf’
In my gaming world, I’d say: “I grew up thinking I was an elf, raised at the North Pole by none other than Santa Claus himself! Turns out I’m not an elf, but a human orphan adopted as a baby. When Santa learns this, he sends me on a journey to New York City in search of my birth father.
Paul Giamatti in ‘Fred Claus’
In this humorous fantasy film, Giamatti portrays Santa Claus, while Vince Vaughn plays Fred Claus, Santa’s disgruntled elder brother. When Fred finds himself in a tight spot and devises a plan to borrow $50,000 from his brother, Nick insists that he instead journey to the North Pole and repay the debt by assisting with the Christmas rush workload.
Billy Bob Thornton in ‘Bad Santa’
In 2003, and its sequel from 2016 titled “Bad Santa 2”, the story revolves around Billy Bob Thornton’s character, a trickster, who assumes the disguise of Santa Claus at a department store during the holiday season. Accompanied by his dwarf accomplice, they pull off heists once Christmas Eve arrives and everyone has left the mall for home.
Jim Carrey in ‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
The movie version of Dr. Seuss’ book “The Grinch” features Carrey as the character Grinch, a Whoville inhabitant who dislikes Christmas and schemes to spoil the festivity for everyone in town. Although the Grinch isn’t the real Santa Claus, he puts on Santa’s attire to deceive the children and sneak away with their presents while they are asleep.
Richard Attenborough in ‘Miracle on 34th Street’
1994’s “Miracle on 34th Street” is one of several reinterpretations of the timeless holiday tale (first presented in 1947). This film revolves around a character named Kris Kringle (Attenborough), who passionately claims to be the genuine Santa Claus. His conviction helps a six-year-old girl named Doris regain her faith in the magic of Christmas.
Tom Hanks in ‘The Polar Express’
In an animated tale, Tom Hanks lends his voice to Santa Claus (among other roles), as a hesitant youth sets off on a personal exploration. This journey takes him aboard a mystical train, traveling towards the North Pole.
Mickey Rooney in ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town’
In the animated TV special featuring stop-motion, a postal worker (Fred Astaire providing the voice) explains the origins of Santa Claus and his transformation into the renowned figure of Sombertown, by responding to children’s letters about him.
Ben Affleck in ‘Reindeer Games’
While Affleck may not personally portray Santa Claus, his character – a former convict out of prison – gets involved in a scheme to burglarize a casino on Christmas Eve, and at some point, he dons the costume of Saint Nick.
John Goodman in ‘The Year Without a Santa Claus’
In simpler terms, the 2006 NBC television film retells the story of a disheartened Santa Claus (portrayed by Goodman), who initially plans to forego his annual toy delivery on Christmas. However, a young child’s help inspires him to rekindle the joy and spirit of the holiday season. This version is not a stop-motion special from 1974, but rather a live-action adaptation of it.
Kurt Russell in ‘The Christmas Chronicles’
In the 2018 Netflix comedy titled here, the character Russell finds himself in a predicament when Santa Claus has an accident with his sleigh, losing all the Christmas presents. With the aid of two young companions, he embarks on a mission to gather them up and ensure timely delivery. At the film’s debut, Russell paid tribute to his father Bing Russell, whom he described as the most outstanding Santa Claus one could ever imagine, both in the past, present, and forevermore.
In the sequel, titled “The Christmas Chronicles 2”, Russell made another appearance for his second adventure. The actor performed songs in both films.
Bill Nighy in ‘Arthur Christmas’
In the animated movie “Arthur Christmas” from 2011, Arthur was voiced by Jim Broadbent, while Bill Nighy lent his voice to a cranky former Santa Claus who dislikes the contemporary world. Coming out of retirement, he aids Arthur (James McAvoy) in their mission to preserve Christmas. The film also boasted the voices of Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton, and Jim Broadbent.
William Shatner in ‘Gotta Catch Santa Claus’
In this 2008 television film, we follow the tale of a youthful character who aims to verify the existence of Santa Claus (portrayed by Shatner) through the act of capturing him. Simultaneously, an ancient adversary of Santa, LeFreeze (played by Cal Dodd), resurfaces with the same objective.
Lloyd Bridges in ‘In the Nick of Time’
In the 1991 TV film directed by George Miller, after 300 years of service, Santa Claus (Bridges) is considering retirement. He has only seven days left to choose a successor, or the beloved holiday custom could be at risk.
David Harbour in ‘Violent Night’
In the comedy-thriller that debuted in December 2022, Harbor assumes the role of a vigilant Santa Claus-like figure, as described by film critic Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter. This movie is likened to a fusion of Home Alone and Die Hard. In this story, Harbor leaps into action when a band of mercenaries hold a wealthy family captive in their residence, leading the narrative towards a violent escalation.
Jack Black in ‘Dear Santa’
In the movie titled “Dear Santa“, the color black serves a dual role by representing both Santa Claus and Satan. If a child writes a letter to Santa with the intention of receiving help from the jolly old man, they might be in for an unexpected encounter with Satan instead, should they accidentally misspell Santa’s name. This amusing film can be streamed on Paramount+.
Lil Rel Howery in ‘Dashing Through the Snow’
In “Dashing Through the Snow,” Howery embodies a character named Nicholas Sinter-Claus, who resembles Santa Claus. This film is helmed by director Tim Story and can be streamed on Disney+. Alongside Howery, you’ll find Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Teyonah Parris, and Oscar Nuñez gracing the screen.
Danny Glover in ‘The Naughty Nine’
In this Disney Channel film, Glover assumes the role of Santa Claus. The story revolves around a band of mischievous children who devise a plan to orchestrate a robbery in order to acquire the gifts they desire. You can watch it streaming on Disney+.
Brian Cox in ‘That Christmas’
In the upcoming 2024 animated film titled “That Christmas“, Alex Cox portrays Santa Claus. Initially shown in select cinemas on November 27, the movie was later streamed on Netflix starting December 4. As the synopsis suggests, this heartwarming tale unfolds a collection of interconnected stories revolving around family and friendship, love and solitude, and an unforgettable blunder by Santa Claus, along with an astounding number of turkeys!
J.K. Simmons in ‘Red One’
In the movie “Red One,” Simmons takes on the role of a captive Santa Claus, who’s counting on Callum Drift, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, and hacker Jack O’Malley, played by Chris Evans, to save him. The film hit the big screen on Nov. 15 and can now be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-21 06:55