The festive film, set for release on November 5, 2027, centers on Mallory, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, who finds herself in a desperate bid for custody of her son. Her only hope lies in locating Santa Claus, played by Peter Dinklage, and convincing him to testify on her behalf in her contentious divorce proceedings.
Kate O'Flynn, fresh off her Emmy win for her memorable supporting role in Apple TV+'s horror-comedy 'Widow's Bay,' is among the key new cast members. In 'Widow's Bay,' O'Flynn garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of Patricia, the socially awkward assistant to Matthew Rhys's character. Her upcoming projects also include 'Tender Loving Care,' marking her fourth collaboration with director Mike Leigh, and Searchlight Pictures' drama 'Sweetsick,' where she stars alongside Cate Blanchett.
Jamie Demetriou, known for creating, co-writing, and starring in the Channel 4/HBO Max series 'Stath Lets Flats,' also joins the cast. The English comedian, actor, and screenwriter recently appeared in Charli XCX's A24 film 'The Moment' and hosted 'Saturday Night Live UK.' His future roles include a Netflix miniseries adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice,' a role in the sixth season of 'Only Murders in the Building,' and FX's 'Far Cry' anthology series.
Rounding out the latest additions is 12-year-old Dexter Sol Ansell. Ansell is set to star as Prince Aegon 'Egg' Targaryen in HBO's 'Game of Thrones' prequel, 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.' He previously played Young Coriolanus in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' and appeared in Robert Zemeckis's film 'Here.'
Character details for O'Flynn, Demetriou, and Ansell are being kept under wraps. The film's screenplay was penned by Jimmy Warden, known for 'Cocaine Bear.' Wilde is directing 'Naughty' as her follow-up to the acclaimed A24 drama 'The Invite.'
In addition to Aniston and Dinklage, the cast already includes Chase Sui Wonders, Ike Barinholtz, Regina Hall, Samara Weaving, Kate Berlant, and John Early. LuckyChap is producing the film alongside Wilde and Warden. Universal's Executive Vice President of Production Development, Sara Scott, and Director of Production Development, Jacqueline Garell, are overseeing the project for the studio.