Richard Curtis has written another Christmas film

If you need a little break from the disturbing news, we have just the thing for you: 21 years after screenwriter and director Richard Curtis gave the world his incomparable romantic Christmas comedy, Indeed… love, The 67-year-old has written another Christmas novel that will be released on Netflix later this year.

Fantasy comedy This Christmas The streaming giant is scheduled to release on Friday, December 6, so there will be plenty of opportunities to rewatch the film in the run-up to the big day.

The animated film is based on a series of Richard's children's books and is set in Suffolk, where Richard owns a country house. It was produced by Locksmith Animation, animated by DNEG Animation and distributed by Netflix. The screenplay was co-written by Richard and his colleague Peter Souter. And all eyes will be on Simon Otto, who is making his directorial debut.

So what can we expect from This Christmas? According to the official premise, it is “a series of interwoven stories about love and loneliness, family and friends and one big mistake by Santa Claus, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys!” So ​​it is not entirely free of Indeed… Love Topics, you will notice.

Among the voice actors for This Christmas including Brian Cox (who voices Santa Claus), Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker and Bill Nighy.

Meanwhile, award-winning musician Ed Sheeran – who also grew up and lives in Suffolk – has written and recorded a song for the film, called Under the tree.

Love Actually – Movie Still RICHARD CURTIS SCREENWRITER/DIRECTOR & EMMA THOMPSON on the set of Love Actually Movie Still – For Editorial Use Only Ref: FB provided by EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xSuppliedxbyxCapitalxPicturesx ©IMAGO / Capital Pictures

“I've been friends with Richard Curtis for years and we did a lot of fun charity work and then both of us were heavily involved in the film Yesterday,” said Ed. “He came to me two years ago to show me the rough cut of This Christmas. It was just sketches and voices, but it blew me away. So emotional and yet so heartwarmingly funny, like all of Richard Curtis' films.'

The singer, who has two daughters, four-year-old Lyra and two-year-old Jupiter, with her wife Cherry Seaborn, added: “I think it’s crazy that [aren’t] more animated Christmas movies for kids, but this will become a staple of the holidays, at least in our household.'

Meanwhile, Richard commented on the collaboration: “Ed lives in Suffolk, loves the town and completely understood the pitch and tone of what we were trying to achieve.”

©IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

“We have been friends for many years and – especially now that he is a husband and a father – it is really lovely that he plays such an important role in this film about love, children and family. And of course, even if he wasn't a friend and didn't love Suffolk, it was wonderful to have a wonderful new song from one of the greatest British songwriters of all time.”

What are Richard Curtis' best romantic comedies?

Richard is a triple threat: directing, writing and executive producing are all areas in which he has extensive experience. It is no surprise, then, that he has an enviable filmography that includes titles, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones's Diary, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, The Devil's House, About Time And Genius. Of course not to forget Indeed… love.

Millie Payne is a news and entertainment writer for Grazia. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and round-ups for over three years and loves combining her love of writing, speaking and all things pop culture.