Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is one of the most adapted and re-interpreted stories ever. There have been numerous popular incarnations. They include a Jim Carrey animated film from Robert Zemeckis, a Muppets version, a Bill Murray parody, a TV movie starring Patrick Stewart, and there’s already a satirical musical comedy with Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell premiering this year titled, Spirited. Netflix will now be releasing its own CGI-animated musical with Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.
The official Netflix synopsis reads,
“Produced by Timeless Films in association with Axis Studios and directed by Stephen Donnelly, Charles Dickens’ ageless legend is reborn in this supernatural, time-traveling, musical adaptation of the definitive Christmas story. With his very soul on the line, Scrooge has but one Christmas Eve left to face his past and build a better future. Featuring re-imagined songs from the legendary and two-time Academy Award® winner Leslie Bricusse OBE, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol is one for a new generation to sing.”
The new Christmas Carol interpretation sports a cast, including Luke Evans (voices Scrooge), Olivia Colman (voices Past), Jessie Buckley (voices Isabel Fezziwig), Johnny Flynn (voices Bob Cratchit), Fra Fee (voices Harry Huffam), Giles Terera (voices Tom Jenkins), Trevor Dion Nicholas (voices Present), James Cosmo (voices Mr Fezziwig), and Jonathan Pryce (voices Jacob Marley).
The musical is directed by Stephen Donnelly with music and lyrics by Two-time Academy Award® and Grammy award–winner Leslie Bricusse OBE. Donnelly describes his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s been a fascinating challenge to adapt such a beloved and often-told story. I think this version will give those who know A Christmas Carol all the things they expect, but not as they’ve experienced them before. There are more than enough psychedelic, time-traveling, and musical surprises to keep those familiar with the story on the edge of their seats, while the authentic essence of Dickens has been retained for those coming completely fresh to the classic tale. I can’t wait to share this new version of A Christmas Carol with the world and sincerely hope audiences embrace it this year and for many to come.”
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol will be available for streaming on Netflix on December 2.