“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” star Chevy Chase is starring in a new holiday film that will be shot in Central New York.
Director Tori Hunter announced Thursday that Chase will have a role in her new movie, “The Christmas Letter.” The story centers on an “everyday man who gets a Christmas letter every year from his (wealthier) friend” and decides to take his family on “wild, crazy adventures” for a whole year in an attempt to top his friend’s Christmas letter.
“It’s a holiday film that goes past the holidays,” Hunter explained. “I love that we get to go on a whole year of him searching for happiness and joy until he finds his true happiness... is right in front of him with his family.”
According to WKTV, “The Christmas Letter” is set to film scenes in Utica next month. A recent casting call was looking for extras in the Central New York area to be part of the production.
Chase, 80, is an Emmy-winning actor who was an original cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” His credits include “Caddyshack,” “Fletch,” “Three Amigos,” “Community,” and the Syracuse-set “Snow Day,” plus his iconic role as Clark Griswold in the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” franchise.
Chase previously visited Syracuse in 2019 and Utica in 2021 for screenings of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” He met with fans and participated in a Q&A for the John Hughes-scripted 1989 holiday classic about a married father of two whose plans for a big family celebration turn into disaster with memorable scenes involving Christmas lights, sledding, gift shopping, a squirrel, and a visit from Cousin Eddie.
(L-R) Christie Brinkley, Chevy Chase, Dana Barron and Anthony Michael Hall attend the 'National Lampoon's Vacation' reunion at MegaCon Orlando 2023 at Orange County Convention Center on April 1, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.Gerardo Mora/Getty Images
“He’s going to bring a really special comedic genius to a unique character that I’m really excited to bring to life,” Hunter said of Chase.
A release date has not been announced for “The Christmas Letter,” which appears to be Hunter’s feature-length directorial debut.
Hunter is a Georgia native who is currently based in Nashville, according to her website. Her IMDb credits include working as a script supervisor on 2019′s “Overcomer,” the 2020 Lifetime movie “A Welcome Home Christmas,” and the 2023 releases “Identity Crisis,” “The Great Turkey Town Miracle,” “Bringing Back Christmas” and “The Shift” (featuring Sean Astin and Syracuse University alumnus Neal McDonough).
Utica Film Commissioner Paul Buckley said earlier this month that Hunter, producer Simone Bonser and cinematographer Chase Bowman were looking for extras, technical crews and house locations (including a “Home Alone”-style house) to participate in the production. To get involved, email Buckley at PBuckley@cityofutica.com.
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