First look at James Nesbitt's new festive movie The Heist Before Christmas
Last updated 28th Nov 2023
Ballymena actor James Nesbitt stars in a new festive movie from Sky, The Heist Before Christmas.
It's due to hit the small screen this Christmas and is believed to be a "fairy tale for our times".
Nesbitt is joined by Timothy Spall (Harry Potter), Laura Donnelly (The Nevers), Bronagh Waugh (The Fall) and two young local stars - Bamber Todd and Joshua McLees as Mikey and Sean Collins.
What is 'The Heist Before Christmas' about?
Twelve-year-old Mikey (Bamber Todd), who has grown up too fast to believe in the magic of Christmas, finds two Santa Clauses in the woods. One has just robbed a bank (James Nesbitt) and is on the run with the cash, the other Santa (Timothy Spall) claims to have fallen out of his sleigh.
Mikey has no time for this second guy – he’s well past believing any of the Jingle Bells, spirit-of-the-season rubbish, even if his little brother Sean (Joshua McLees) insists on treating the old man like a superstar.
Instead, Mikey’s determined to get his hands on the bank-robber’s cash, convinced that this is the answer to giving his family the Christmas they all crave. But as Mikey risks everything for the loot, he comes to realise that maybe the spirit of Christmas is alive after all…
Check out the trailer for 'The Heist Before Christmas' 👇
Nesbitt told the PA news agency that he feels the movie encapsulates the message of Christmas - the joy, but also the hardship for a lot of people.
"For us, and I don't think it matters how much age separates us, Christmas is very important to us, and I think the film is very good at opening a window on to those who struggle at Christmas, and those we should think of at Christmas, but also it's funny.
"Hopefully something that families can sit together and watch."
Director Edward Hall described the story as a "fairy tale for our times".
"It has wonderful comic heart, it is built on real truth, it's touching, it's real, it's a piece of magical fantasy telling the story of real people in a real world," he said.
"Ronan, who is from Northern Ireland, knew his characters very well. That's what I liked about the film, it wasn't afraid to be real when it needed to be and I think it reminds you of what Christmas should be about.
"At the same time I think it's very very funny, which is why I wanted to direct it."
When can you watch 'The Heist Before Christmas'?
The Heist At Christmas is set to premiere on Sky Max and streaming service NOW this festive season - we'll keep you posted on a date asap.
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