Almost Christmas is a new comedy presented by producer Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like a Man, This Christmas) who has joined forces with writer-director David E Talbert (Baggage Claim) for this project. The film stars Danny Glover and co-stars Oscar winner Mo’Nique and was shot in Atlanta.
Rolling out got a chance to visit the set during production and Glover is going to bring a new meaning to the phrase “man of the house.” Even though the setting is the family gathering for the first time for Thanksgiving since the death of their mom; Almost Christmas tells the festive story of a beloved patriarch who had one request from his family as his gift for the holiday season. This was for his family to get along for five days. The only catch is they all have to stay under the same roof without killing each other. If they are able to honor this request, it will truly be a Christmas miracle.
Glover is not the only surprise. There is an entire star-studded cast whom we are all familiar with. Our question to Mo’Nique and every cast member was, “At what point in receiving the request and reading the script, how far into reading the script did you accept the part.” We thought Packer had her reeled in with the mention of Danny Glover’s name. However, Mo’Nique responded that she had to read the entire script and then talk it over with her husband as she does every role that is presented to her.
Nicole Ari Parker responded, “When Will Packer asked me to do the role, I said yes right away because Will is my friend and I trusted he had something good in store for me.” Starz network “Survivor’s Remorse” star Jessie T Usher expressed how actually had some changes in the script he wanted to suggest, and of course there was agent talk and other business to handle. Ultimately he was excited about doing the part and obviously he said yes eventually. Ha! But DC Young Fly said, “they had him at the mention of Danny Glover!” That was the answer I was looking for.
“Survivor’s Remorse” star Jessie T Usher expressed how he actually had some changes in the script he wanted to suggest, and, of course, there was agent talk and other business to handle. Ultimately he was excited about doing the part and obviously said yes eventually. But DC Young Fly said they had him at the mention of Danny Glover. That was the answer we were looking for.
The remaining all-star cast includes the incredibly talented Kimberly Elise (who we will see in a not so dark character), veteran actor Omar Epps (“Real Husbands of Hollywood”) J.B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union (“Being Mary Jane”), and Romany Malco (Think Like a Man). Keri Hilson has a guest appearance in the film as well. Universal Pictures Almost Christmas will be released on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.
