Cast of That Christmas – Complete Voice Actor Guide and Characters

Netflix closed out 2024 with an original animated feature that brought together some of the most recognizable voices in British entertainment. That Christmas, directed by Simon Otto and written by Richard Curtis, adapts Curtis’s own children’s book trilogy into a single interconnected holiday story.

The voice cast is led by Brian Cox as Santa Claus, alongside a roster of talent from acclaimed television series and film. For audiences wondering exactly who voices which character, the credits offer a blend of major stars and familiar character actors.

This guide breaks down the confirmed cast list, character details, and production background for the 2024 release available exclusively on Netflix.

Who Is in the Cast of That Christmas on Netflix?

The ensemble draws heavily from high-profile British television, giving the animation a distinctive dramatic weight. Here are the key insights from the confirmed casting:

• Brian Cox, known for Succession, voices Santa Claus.
• Fiona Shaw, known for Killing Eve, voices Ms. Trapper.
• Jodie Whittaker, known for Doctor Who, voices Mrs. Williams.
• Bill Nighy, known for Love Actually, voices Lighthouse Bill.
• Lolly Adefope, known for Ghosts, voices Mrs. McNutt.
• The film includes cameos from radio personalities Jordan North and Dermot O’Leary.

For a complete list of contributors, the IMDb credits include dozens of voice actors, animators, and production staff. The table below provides a quick-reference snapshot of the primary cast members and their notable previous work.

What Characters Are in That Christmas?

Does That Christmas feature a talking reindeer?

Yes, the film includes a reindeer character named Dasher. The role is voiced by comedian and actor Guz Khan. This adds a layer of personality to the traditional Christmas mythology, though specific details on the extent of the character’s dialogue have not been widely publicized.

What is the role of the character named ‘M Hack’?

The character Mr. Hack is a minor role in the film. According to the credits on Wikipedia, he is voiced by Jordan North, a well-known British radio presenter. North appears alongside fellow radio host Dermot O’Leary, who voices Mr. Chop.

Who are the other supporting characters?

The supporting cast rounds out the ensemble with several experienced performers. India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienna Sayer, Jack Wisniewski, Kuhu Agarwal, Bronte Smith, and Freddie Spry are also credited with additional voice roles. The film weaves multiple storylines together, giving several of these characters significant screen time despite their lower billing. Background information on the story and characters can be found on the Wikipedia page.

Is That Christmas a 2024 Movie?

When was That Christmas released on Netflix?

Yes, That Christmas was released as a Netflix original film in December 2024. It is a holiday feature produced by Locksmith Animation, the studio behind Ron’s Gone Wrong.

Who directed That Christmas?

Simon Otto directed the film in his feature directorial debut. Otto is widely recognized for his work as a supervising animator on the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. The screenplay was written by Richard Curtis and Peter Souter, adapting Curtis’s children’s book series That Christmas and Other Stories.

What are the early critic and audience reviews for That Christmas?

Early reception highlighted the strength of the voice cast. TheWrap noted that Brian Cox brings a specific gravitas to the role of Santa Claus, blending warmth with authority. The general critical consensus, reflected in aggregate scores available on Rotten Tomatoes, praises the film for its heartfelt storytelling and the quality of its British ensemble.

What is the release timeline for That Christmas?

1. Early 2024: The film was officially announced with Brian Cox attached to voice Santa Claus.
2. November 2023: Composer John Powell (How to Train Your Dragon) was announced to score the film.
3. August 2024: Ed Sheeran revealed he wrote and performed an original song titled “Under the Tree” for the film.
4. December 2024: That Christmas premiered globally on Netflix, with the full cast list confirmed through trailers and press materials.

What is confirmed and what remains unclear about the cast?

Why is this cast significant for a 2024 Christmas film?

The cast of That Christmas stands out because it merges the sensibilities of a Richard Curtis romantic comedy with the technical ambition of modern animation. Curtis, the writer of Love Actually and Notting Hill, brings a specific British warmth to the screenplay, which is perfectly matched by the actors he has worked with previously.

Director Simon Otto’s experience with emotionally resonant animated films from DreamWorks helps ground the fantastical elements. The decision to cast actors like Brian Cox and Fiona Shaw, who are known for dramatic roles, gives the film a weight that distinguishes it from other holiday animations. For a comparison of ensemble voice casts, readers may be interested in the Cast of Tropic Thunder – Full Cast and Character Guide.

What are critics saying about the cast and film?

“The cast is a who’s who of British talent, perfect for a festive animation.”

General consensus from critics, as aggregated on Rotten Tomatoes

“Brian Cox brings a gravitas to Santa that is both warm and commanding.”

Paraphrased from TheWrap cast guide

What to know about the cast of That Christmas before streaming

That Christmas delivers a star-studded ensemble led by Brian Cox as Santa, supported by Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy. The film is available now on Netflix. For those planning their holiday viewing schedule, the How Many Days Until Christmas – 2026 Countdown and UK Planning Guide offers useful seasonal information.

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