Hulu Acquires Ben Stiller-Starring Holiday Comedy

Ben Stiller‘s comedy “Nutcrackers” has been acquired by Hulu and will stream exclusively on the service in the U.S. starting Nov. 29.

The streamer acquired the worldwide rights to the film, which is directed by David Gordon Green. Green’s lengthy credits as a director the “Halloween” franchise, “Pineapple Express,” “The Exorcist: Believer,” “Vice Principals” and “The Righteous Gemstones.”

“‘Nutcrackers’ is a heartfelt comedy which follows strait-laced and work-obsessed Mike (Stiller) as he is suddenly thrust into being a caregiver for his rambunctious, orphaned nephews,” the film’s logline teases. 

In addition to Stiller, the cast also includes Linda Cardellini (“No Good Deed,” “Dead to Me”), Edi Patterson (“The Righteous Gemstones”), Tim Heidecker (“Us”), and Toby Huss (“Dickinson”). Stiller’s nephews will be played by newcomers and real-life siblings Homer, Ulysses, Atlas and Arlo Janson. “Nutcrackers” was filmed on the Janson family farm in Ohio as well as at their dance studio. Green, a family friend of their mother, Karey Williams, was inspired to make the movie based on the Janson family.

The film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and will soon be released on Disney+ internationally.

In its review at TIFF, Indiewire wrote, “It’s refreshing to see Green doing whatever he likes, combining some of his favorite elements (talented kids, keen comedic timing, a country setting, and a genuine warmth that’s hard to fake) to make a new film that feels as good for his soul as the audience’s.”

Rivulet Films fully financed “Nutcrackers.” Rob Paris, Mike Witherill and Rough House’s Nate Meyer serve as producers. The script was developed by Rough House with writer Leland Douglas (“Call of the Wild”). UTA Independent Film Group represents the worldwide sales rights to the film.