See Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray in the trailer for the new holiday romantic comedy.
Santa’s dancing his way into our hearts a little early this year. And who’s that driving his sleigh? Why, it’s Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray, stars of The Merry Gentlemen, a new rom-com heating things up this holiday season. You’ll be able to unwrap this particular gift on Nov. 20 –– as the trailer reveals, this sizzling Christmas entertainment is worth waiting for.
Directed by Peter Sullivan (Secret Obsession) and written by Marla Sokoloff (Sweet on You), The Merry Gentlemen is the story of a steamy musical revue that just might save Christmas. “We got to change things up a little bit and push the envelope,” Murray, who portrays romantic lead Luke, tells Tudum. “We take a lot of the tropes that have been created for this particular genre and poke fun at them in such a tasteful way.”
And you’re invited to see all the hip-thrusting moves and heart-melting romance. Below, we have your playbill for the show. Make sure to pick up some hot cocoa in the lobby.
Katrina Marcinowski
What’s The Merry Gentlemen about?
To save the Rhythm Room, her parents’ small-town performing arts venue, a former big-city dancer stages an all-male, Christmas-themed revue. “My character, Ashley, decides to take her skill as a dancer and choreographer and marries that with some hot dudes at the bar to make The Merry Gentlemen show. She may or may not save the bar …” Robertson teases.
The actor was immediately drawn to the story, which is filled with bright lights and exhilarating performances. Those qualities are what Robertson enjoys during her own “orphan Christmases” in Los Angeles, with other loved ones who stay in the city for the holidays. “When I read the script, I was like, ‘This is my kind of Christmas movie!’ ” she says. “I didn’t even have to do any of the burlesque. I get to just watch a bunch of very talented dudes do it.”
One of those men is Murray’s Luke, a “kind, confident, and slightly sarcastic” contractor, who helps out Ashley’s family at the Rhythm Room. “He’s thrust into an unfamiliar situation and is pushed to the limits of comfortability,” Murray says. But, as the first photos of The Merry Gentlemen prove, Luke is also game for whatever Ashley has up her sleeve.
Katrina Marcinowski
Katrina Marcinowski
Katrina Marcinowski
Can I see any Merry Gentlemen photos?
Sokoloff, who wrote the movie and also stars in it, is excited to welcome you to the surprisingly cozy and sultry world of The Merry Gentlemen. “I’m my best self during Christmastime,” she says. “Watching holiday movies with my family … nothing makes me happier.”
Like Sokoloff, you’ve probably noticed one place where her film really shines. “The costumes are the highlight for me,” she continues. “So many fun themes and moments. I can’t wait [for everyone] to see it all come together!”
And what about the trailer?
Just like Luke and his fellow gentlemen, this is one trailer you won’t be able to look away from. Get your first taste of the magic ahead in the video above.
Who’s in the cast of The Merry Gentlemen?
The cast of The Merry Gentlemen includes:
Britt Robertson as Ashley
Chad Michael Murray as Luke
Marla Sokoloff as Marie
Beth Broderick as Lily
Michael Gross as Stan
Maxwell Caulfield as Danny
Hector David Jr. as Ricky
Colt Prattes as Troy
Marc Anthony Samuel as Roger
Are the Merry Gentlemen really dancing in The Merry Gentlemen?
You can bet your jingle bells they are. Murray took his preparation for the role (and all the body rolls that came with it) seriously. “It was something that I’d never done. I said, ‘Oh, this scares the crap out of me. I’ve got to do this,’ ” he reveals. “I made a bunch of phone calls and said, ‘Let’s get in as much rehearsal time as possible.’ ”
All of that practicing created an unbreakable bond between all the members of the Merry Gentlemen. “If you’re going to do it, you got to do it right. You got to go all in. All the guys were awesome,” Murray continues. “There was definitely a bond there. Everybody just helped each other up. And everyone else had a different gift to give to the film.”
Robertson was delighted to watch the dance troupe come together. When she would pop into their eight-hour rehearsals, the men seemed more “like brothers” than co-stars. “Whenever one of the guys wasn’t sure about a move, they would ask the other guy who knew it. To see them help each other out was precious,” she says.
Fans can get a peek at all their hard work in the photos, which include teases of the Merry Gentlemen in various performances. One image invites fans to giddy up and join them in the yuletide fun. Robertson admits the Western inspiration is one of her favorite vignettes in the movie.
“I have a certain affection for the cowboys — I’m Southern,” she says. “The hats, the boots. There’s so much you can work with!”
When will The Merry Gentlemen debut on Netflix?
The Merry Gentlemen will stream on Netflix on Nov. 20 as part of the 2024 holiday slate, which includes Our Little Secret starring Lindsay Lohan, Meet Me Next Christmas starring Christina Milian, and Hot Frosty starring Lacey Chabert. Sounds like a holiday season to remember.
