After initially being set for a theatrical release for the holiday from TriStar Pictures, Hulu has acquired the rights to the romantic comedy Happiest Season from Clea DuVall (Veep) in her feature directorial debut and starring Kristen Stewart (Underwater) for a Thanksgiving debut, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
RELATED: High School: Coming-of-Age Comedy Series in Development from Tegan & Sara Quin
The story, written by Clea DuVall (Veep) and Mary Holland (Animals.) and directed by DuVall in her debut, follows a young woman as she prepares to propose to her girlfriend at her family’s annual holiday party, only for the plan to be upended when she learns that her girlfriend hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet.
“This holiday season — more than any other — we could all use a little happiness,” TriStar President Nicole Brown said in a statement. “It was essential to Sony Pictures and to the filmmakers that Clea’s marvelous and fresh holiday-themed romantic comedy come out when the lights are on the trees. We are excited that Hulu is geared up to make this happen in the U.S. and grateful that they love the movie as much as we do.”
Happiest Season features an ensemble cast led by Stewart that also includes Mackenzie Davis (Irresistible), Mary Steenburgen (Zooey’s Extraordinary Playlist), Alison Brie (The Rental), Victor Garber (Legends of Tomorrow), Aubrey Plaza (Black Bear) and Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek).
“With its all-star cast and modern storytelling, Happiest Season brings yet another breakthrough film to Hulu that we know our viewers will love,” Brian Kendig, Hulu’s director of content, said in a statement. “We are honored to be the streaming home of this fresh and funny romantic comedy that explores love, family and acceptance this holiday season.”
RELATED: Greenland PVOD Release Date & Details Unveiled for Gerard Butler’s Action Film
The project is produced by Marty Bowen (The Hate U Give), Isaac Klausner (Love, Simon) Jaclyn Huntling (The Maze Runner) for Temple Hill, with Hannah Minghella (The Talented Mr. Ripley) and Shary Shirazi (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed) having overseen the project for TriStar Pictures.
