Cast Members Share Insights on Collaborating with Donna Kelce in Hallmark’s Latest Film
The Hallmark Channel is well-known for its captivating holiday romance films, but what happens when they elevate their beloved formula by incorporating the excitement of the Kansas City Chiefs? This unique combination promises to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience that combines heartwarming stories with the thrill of football, creating a delightful fusion that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
Introducing Holiday Landing: A Chiefs Love Story, a film that unites two passionate fan bases: devoted Hallmark Christmas enthusiasts and the fervent Chiefs Kingdom. The ensemble cast hopes to capture the hearts of Swifties, who represent one of the largest fanbases globally, ensuring that this romance film resonates with them?not just because of Taylor Swift?s connection to Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
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TooFab had the opportunity to converse with cast members Hunter King, Tyler Hynes, Ed Begley Jr., Diedrich Bader, and Megyn Worth during the film’s promotional junket. The talented group shared their experiences working on this unique Hallmark holiday film, which is a collaboration involving the network, the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The storyline follows Alana, a devoted Chiefs fan portrayed by King, as she strives to secure the title of ?Fan of the Year? for her family of Chiefs enthusiasts during the holiday season. As she navigates the challenges of the competition, she unexpectedly finds herself falling for Derrick, played by Hynes, the Director of Fan Engagement for the team, adding a romantic twist to her journey.
This exciting film features several scenes shot at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of Chiefs games. Additionally, the cast includes notable personalities such as Jenna Bush Hager, coach Andy Reid, various Chiefs players, and the talented Donna Kelce, mother of Travis Kelce.
When asked about the anticipated reactions from Swift and Kelce fans to Holiday Landing, both King and Hynes expressed their confidence that audiences will thoroughly enjoy the film.
?They?ll [enjoy it],? stated Hynes, 38. ?[Kelce?s] mother Donna?s in it. Are you aware what I imply? And when she?s in it, it is like you possibly can?t assist however fall in love with the entire thing. She?s simply so fun, charming, and incredible. She has some fantastic scenes that showcase her personality and warmth.?
?She?s so, so charming in it,? King, 31, affirmed, elaborating on why she believes Swifties will be drawn to this holiday film.
?I believe that we as a collective ? and I say we as a result of I?m a Swiftie ? I believe that Swiftie?s core values also align with Hallmark and the Chiefs. Taylor is such an incredible role model for everyone, regardless of age. She embodies traits like placing family first and maintaining self-respect,? she continued. ?The qualities she brings resonate deeply with the themes we explore in our film, showcasing the same warmth and positivity that Hallmark represents.?
Worth shared similar sentiments while discussing the film with TooFab alongside Bader and Begley Jr., emphasizing the positive messages conveyed through the story.
?I believe Taylor Swift?s entire message revolves around positivity, inclusion, and family values,? she remarked. ?The film captures that essence perfectly, aligning with the overall vibe.?
Meanwhile, Begley Jr. took a moment to share a fascinating fact about his prior collaboration with Swift when they worked together on the 2022 film, Amsterdam. He humorously noted that they also played a game of Words with Friends together!
?She was a lovely person. She played my daughter in a movie called Amsterdam, and I can tell you firsthand, she was incredibly kind and professional,? Begley Jr. shared. ?Her talent is undeniable, but what stood out most was her warmth and approachability on set.?
?Ed is the only person on this panel who has played Words with Friends with Taylor Swift,? Worth pointed out, to which Begley Jr. added, ?She?s amazing at the game, as you would expect.?
Hallmark Channel
Meanwhile, the stars also lauded their experience working with Donna Kelce on Holiday Landing, praising the mother of Travis and Jason Kelce for her impressive acting skills. Donna made her acting debut in another Hallmark holiday film, Christmas On Call, which aired last week.
?She provided us with acting tips,? Hynes noted. ?Donna is wise beyond her years regarding her acting career. During our scene together, I struggled to remember my lines, but she was so composed and professional, truly an exceptional talent. It has been a joy to witness her in this role.?
Echoing her co-star’s sentiments, King described Donna as ?such a natural performer.?
?I have been acting for a while,? she continued, ?and no matter the set, I always feel extremely nervous during my first scene. My heartbeat is so loud that it?s often picked up by the mic. However, Donna walked in completely calm and collected. If she felt any nerves, it was not evident; she completely nailed her performance. She was remarkable.?
Meanwhile, Worth admitted that she was initially ?apprehensive? about working with Donna due to her unfamiliarity with her previous acting experience.
?So I went back and told her, ?Here?s the deal. There?s an X marking your spot. Don?t be nervous.? To which she confidently replied, ?I?m not nervous!?? Worth recalled, while Begley Jr. added, ?She?s incredibly camera savvy and instinctive.?
?She was perfectly fine,? Bader chimed in, and Worth concurred, stating, ?She required no guidance from us.?
?She did not need assistance from us,? Begley Jr. concluded, reaffirming Donna’s prowess as an actress.
Discover more about the cast of Holiday Landing in the videos above!
Holiday Landing: A Chiefs Love Story premieres on November 30 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
