Universal Pictures has cast the two lead roles for its Christmas comedy 'Naughty': Jennifer Aniston (57) and Peter Dinklage (57) will star for director Olivia Wilde (42). The film is scheduled to hit theaters in November 2027, as reported by the U.S. trade magazine 'The Hollywood Reporter'.
Dinklage plays Santa Claus. Aniston portrays Mallory, who is battling her ex for custody of their son. Her last hope in the divorce proceedings is none other than Santa Claus: She wants to track him down so he can testify for her in court.
Olivia Wilde's Next Film
The story was written by Jimmy Warden, who also wrote the horror comedy 'Cocaine Bear'. The script was created on spec, meaning without a studio backing it. Universal subsequently secured the rights to the screenplay. The film is now in pre-production. For Wilde, this is her fourth directorial work after 'Booksmart' (2019), 'Don't Worry Darling' (2022), and 'The Invite', which was released this year.
Wilde spoke about the project on the red carpet in Los Angeles. The occasion was the premiere of Gregg Araki's film 'I Want Your Passion', in which she appears. 'I can't believe it. We've been working on this project for years, it's a passion project, and I fought and fought and fought to make it happen', she told the 'Hollywood Reporter'. 'I'm so grateful that we get to make this film because it's meant to be very much in the spirit of Rob Reiner - a comedy with an enormous amount of heart.'
'Bigger Than Anything I've Ever Tackled'
Like 'The Invite', 'Naughty' will also combine comedy and tragedy, according to the director. 'But it's also a much bigger undertaking and something that's far bigger than anything I've ever taken on.' She feels honored to be directing an original theatrical comedy for a major studio in this day and age. Universal is placing enormous trust in her, Wilde said, as well as in her ability to direct 'Jen and Peter'.
Aniston and Dinklage Have Experience with Christmas Films
Christmas material is no new territory for the two leads. Aniston was part of the ensemble cast of 'Office Christmas Party' in 2016 alongside Jason Bateman (57) and Olivia Munn (46). Dinklage appeared in a supporting role in 2003's 'Elf', the Christmas classic with Will Ferrell (59). Wilde also has experience with the genre, having appeared in the 2015 comedy 'Love the Coopers'.
