Chad Michael Murray Stars in Bold New Holiday Film ‘The Merry Gentlemen’

Actor Chad Michael Murray is set to star in a groundbreaking new Christmas movie, “The Merry Gentlemen,” which promises to add a fresh twist to traditional holiday films. According to an exclusive from PEOPLE magazine, the movie, available on Netflix from November 20, 2024, features Murray alongside actresses Brittany Robertson and Marla Sokoloff, with Peter Sullivan as the director.

In “The Merry Gentlemen,” Brittany Robertson plays a former big-city dancer who returns to her hometown for the holidays only to find her parents’ performing venue struggling to stay afloat. She subsequently organizes an all-male, Christmas-themed dance revue in a bid to save the venue, and Chad Michael Murray is among the charming performers.

“I’d never danced professionally or trained by any means,” Murray, 43, shared with PEOPLE, mentioning his initial apprehension. “When I see something and it scares the crap out of me, something in me says, ‘Alright, let’s see what we can do.'”

The actor disclosed that the preparation for his role was intensive. “We were doing six-hour days in the dance hall,” he said. “Some guys had previous dance training, so I wanted to be ahead to ensure I wasn’t holding anyone back.”

Brittany Robertson and Marla Sokoloff praised Murray’s dedication to his role. Robertson recalled her first rehearsal with him, noting his commitment was evident in his attire and approach, while Sokoloff remarked on the cast’s camaraderie and impressive physical fitness.

The film’s distinctiveness lies in its bold attempt to blend holiday cheer with a male dance revue, a concept not typically associated with Christmas films. Murray noted the importance of achieving the right tone, “It’s not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think Christmas. So for us, it was really making sure that the tone’s right.”

Murray’s preparations included extensive rehearsals. “It was something that I’d never done,” he admitted. “I made a bunch of phone calls and said, ‘Let’s get in as much rehearsal time as possible.'” He embraced the challenge and intends to explore further opportunities in dance.

“The Merry Gentlemen” also features talents like Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, and Maxwell Caulfield, promising an entertaining mix of romance, drama, and humor in a new holiday tradition for audiences to enjoy. Marla Sokoloff, who also co-wrote the film, mentioned how the movie offers something different and exciting from typical holiday films, adding a “fun vibe and something for everyone.”