In Netflix's latest Christmas film, Hot Frosty, the audience is introduced to a rather unconventional character: a snowman named Jack, played by Dustin Milligan, who wears nothing but a red knit scarf. Reflecting on the scene, Milligan shared with Variety the experience of stripping down for the role. “I was obviously very exposed during that moment, but shedding my inhibitions as Jack would have was liberating for me,” he said, embracing the vulnerability of the character.
The film’s whimsical plot follows Lacey Chabert’s character, Kathy—a devoted widow and local community figure—as she accidentally brings a snow sculpture with chiseled abs to life using a magical red scarf. What unfolds is a heartwarming and humorous journey that doesn’t take itself too seriously. “The movie knows it’s a bit absurd, and that’s part of the charm,” Chabert explained. She noted an early scene where the town’s doctor, played by Katy Mixon, barely bats an eye at the sight of a living snowman, highlighting the film’s playful tone. “I quickly realized that this story had a lot of heart, and it was both romantic and genuinely funny,” Chabert added.
Milligan, best known for his role on Schitt’s Creek, drew inspiration from iconic characters like Will Ferrell in Elf and Tom Hanks in Big to portray Jack's wide-eyed innocence and childlike wonder. “It’s a Christmas trick,” Milligan described, “The movie sets you up to expect one thing but delivers the best gift of all—joy.”
Chabert, often dubbed the “Queen of Christmas” due to her prolific work in Hallmark holiday films, expressed her love for feel-good movies. “Christmas is my favorite holiday, and these movies bring back wonderful memories of my childhood. Now, as a mom, I get to share these traditions with my daughter, and that’s incredibly meaningful to me,” she said.
However, Chabert’s future with Hallmark has come into question following an age discrimination lawsuit filed by casting director Penny Perry. The suit claims a Hallmark executive remarked, “Lacey’s getting older, and we need to find someone like her to replace her as she ages.” Addressing the industry’s ageism, Chabert stated, “I believe in telling stories through every phase of life. I want to portray characters that inspire not just my generation but also younger ones, including my own daughter.”
Hot Frosty also features a delightful nod to Chabert’s iconic role in Mean Girls. In one scene, Kathy plays Lindsay Lohan’s 2023 Netflix holiday film Falling for Christmas and quips, “That looks just like a girl I went to high school with.” Chabert found the line to be a fun addition. “I love Lindsay, and it was a blast to have a little callback to our Mean Girls days. It’s great to see our paths crossing again in this way,” she shared.
With its mix of humor, nostalgia, and Christmas magic, Hot Frosty promises to be a festive hit that offers audiences both laughs and heartfelt moments this holiday season.
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