Michael Sheen, Eva Longoria to Star in Festive Comedy ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ Based on James Patterson Novel, Protagonist Launching Sales (EXCLUSIVE)

by

Michael Sheen and Eva Longoria will be joining forces for the upcoming festive, family-oriented comedy titled “The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The movie, produced jointly by Keal Productions and Fulwell Entertainment, is being helmed by BAFTA nominee Ben Gregor (known for “The Magic Faraway Tree” and “Black Ops”) in the director’s chair, with a screenplay penned by Ted Safran. The story is adapted from the hugely popular novel “The 12 Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas,” which was co-authored by the acclaimed writer James Patterson and Safran himself.

Protagonist Pictures are launching sales in Cannes.

In “The 12 Days of Christmas,” as mid-December rolls around, Christmas has been cancelled for the fifth consecutive year at the troubled Sullivan household. However, all that changes when a secretive figure begins delivering peculiar gifts to widower Henry (Sheen) and his contentious children, Will and Ella. The first gift is a partridge in a pear tree, followed by two turtle doves on the next day, three calling birds on the third day, and so on, each gift corresponding to the popular Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The sudden influx of lively creatures and guests causes chaos at their home. As they struggle to identify the anonymous benefactor, they also find themselves under scrutiny from Mariana (Longoria) from Animal Protection Services. Despite the holiday’s initial messiness, it may end up being a much-needed present for the family.

Patterson expressed great joy in writing ‘The 12 Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas with Tad Safran.’ We’re equally thrilled that Michael Sheen, Eva Longoria, and Ben Gregor will be part of the cast,” stated Patterson.

Gregor commented that Tad has penned an emotionally touching and humorous script which he’s eager to film with the kind-hearted and gifted actors Michael and Eva. The book written by Tad and James Patterson promises a heartwarming, chaotic journey through Christmas, and this thoughtful, splendid adaptation is sure to be a pleasure to produce and enjoy.

The series ’12 Days of Christmas’ was created by Heather Greenwood (of ‘After The Screaming Stops’) through Keal Productions, and Leo Pearlman (known for ‘Cinderella’) from Fulwell Entertainment. James Patterson and Peter Safran, who worked on ‘Aquaman’, are executive producers, as well as Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa for James Patterson Entertainment, Dave Bishop, George Hamilton, and James Pugh for Protagonist Pictures. Sky took the lead in developing this project.

Bishop, CEO of Protagonist, expressed pure delight as he said, ‘This is authentic holiday cheer – a blend of heart, humor, and just enough mischief to remind us that the essence of Christmas lies in the disorder.’ We’re overjoyed to adapt James Patterson and Tad Safran’s enchanting book for the screen, and with Ben’s skillful direction, Michael’s infectious humor, and Eva’s captivating wit, this team is ideal for breathing life into our festive mayhem.

Greenwood and Pearlman expressed in unison: “We at Fulwell Entertainment and Keal Productions take immense pride in collaborating with exceptional talent and intellectual properties. Our goal is to produce captivating and enjoyable films and TV shows for viewers worldwide! It’s exhilarating to adapt James Patterson and Tad Safran’s popular novel for the silver screen. We eagerly look forward to sharing a messy, yet magical, chaotic, and laugh-filled Christmas experience with audiences everywhere!

In the unseen roles, we have the acclaimed choreographer Adam Murray (“Rocketman,” “Cruella,” “The King’s Man”), along with casting by Kelly Valentine Hendry (“Bridgerton,” “Fleabag,” “Rivals”).

Sheen, Longoria, Patterson, and Gregor are represented by various talent agencies and management companies:

– Sheen is managed by CAA, LINK Entertainment, Roxane Vacca Management in the UK, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.
– Longoria is handled by WME, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman.
– Patterson is represented by CAA, Bob Barnett at Williams & Connolly, and Peter Grossman at Lichter Grossman Nichols Feldman Rogal Shikora & Clark.
– Gregor is represented by WME in the US and Curtis Brown Group in the UK.

Read More

2025-05-08 13:12