Hulu Sets Release Date For Ben Stiller Comedy ‘Nutcrackers’ After Toronto Film Festival Pickup

Hulu has confirmed its acquisition of 'Nutcrackers,' the opening-night film at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. The family comedy, directed by David Gordon Green and starring Ben Stiller, is set to be released on Hulu this Christmas.

What’s ‘Nutcrackers’ All About?

'Nutcrackers' is a heartwarming family comedy that follows the story of Mike (played by Ben Stiller), a workaholic who finds himself in rural Ohio taking care of his recently orphaned nephews after his sister's tragic car accident. The film also stars Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, and Toby Huss, along with real-life siblings Homer, Ulysses, Atlas, and Arlo Janson, who play the nephews.

A Star-Studded Cast

The cast of 'Nutcrackers' boasts a diverse and talented lineup. Ben Stiller, known for his comedic roles in films like 'There's Something About Mary' and 'Zoolander,' takes on his first leading role since 2017’s 'The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected).’ Linda Cardellini, who has appeared in 'Freaks and Geeks’ and ‘Bloodline,’ adds depth to the movie with her portrayal of Gretchen. Edi Patterson, known for her roles in 'The Righteous Gemstones’ and ‘Eastbound & Down,’ brings her signature wit to the character of Rose. Tim Heidecker, famous for his work in ‘Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!,’ rounds out the main cast with his comedic charm.

Production Details

'Nutcrackers’ was written by Leland Douglas and developed by Rough House Pictures. The film is produced by a team including Ben Stiller through Red Hour Films, John Lesher for Red Hour Films, Rob Paris and Mike Witherill of Rivulet Media, and Nate Meyer of Rough House. Principal photography took place in Wilmington, Ohio, and wrapped up outside Cincinnati in January 2024.

A Premier Event at TIFF

The film’s premiere as the opening-night event at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) garnered significant attention. It was here that audiences first got a glimpse of what ‘Nutcrackers’ has to offer. Despite receiving generally mixed reviews from critics, the film has managed to generate buzz around its unique storyline and standout performances.

Hulu’s Acquisition Deal

Hulu’s acquisition of ‘Nutcrackers’ in an eight-figure deal underscores the platform’s commitment to diversifying its content offerings. The deal was finalized during the TIFF, with Hulu planning to release the movie this Christmas. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the festive season, potentially maximizing audience reach.

Reception and Critique

While ‘Nutcrackers’ has received mixed reviews from critics, it has found its footing with audiences. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 35% of 23 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.5/10. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 53 out of 100, based on 9 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.

Despite the mixed reception, fans of Ben Stiller and the cast are eagerly anticipating the release. The film’s unique blend of humor and heart, coupled with its star-studded cast, promises to deliver an entertaining holiday watch.

Conclusion

Hulu’s acquisition of ‘Nutcrackers’ is a significant move in the world of streaming entertainment. With its diverse cast and heartwarming storyline, this family comedy is poised to capture the hearts of audiences this holiday season. As we look forward to its release, fans can expect a delightful blend of laughter and tears from the latest addition to Hulu’s lineup. Whether you’re a fan of Ben Stiller or simply looking for a new holiday movie to enjoy, 'Nutcrackers' is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

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External Links:

• Official IMDb Page: Nutcrackers at IMDb
• Wikipedia Page: Nutcrackers (film) - Wikipedia
• Rivulet Entertainment Announcement: Toronto Film Festival Opener 'Nutcrackers' Sells to Hulu in 8-Figure Deal - Stocktitan