Michael Sheen and Eva Longoria are teaming up for a new festive British movie titled The 12 Days of Christmas.
Based on James Patterson and Tad Safran's bestselling novel The 12 Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas, the upcoming movie will centre on a "hopeless widower" named Henry (Sheen) and his two bickering children, who, after cancelling Christmas for the fifth year in a row, start receiving strange gifts that soon attract the attention of Animal Protection Services.
The gifts begin in mid-December with a partridge in a pear tree, followed by two turtle doves the next day and three calling birds on day three.
Over the 12 days, their family home becomes overrun with noisy animals and surprise guests – all straight out of the classic Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
Per Variety, the synopsis continues: "The family’s lives are turned upside down as they try to figure out just who the mystery gift giver is, and to top it off, Mariana (Longoria) from Animal Protection Services is on their case.
"Even though this Christmas will be messy, it might turn out to be just the gift the family needs."
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The festive feature is being directed by BAFTA nominee Ben Gregor, from a script penned by the book's co-author Safran.
"I had an absolute blast writing The 12 Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas with Tad Safran," said Patterson.
"We couldn’t be more excited about Michael Sheen and Eva Longoria leading the cast. The same goes for the Ben Gregor."
Gregor added: "Tad’s written a moving, funny, big-hearted script that I can’t wait to shoot with the generous and brilliant talents of Michael and Eva.
"Tad and James Patterson’s book is a warm and chaotic ride through Christmas and this thoughtful, spectacular adaptation is going to be a delight to make and watch."
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Patterson and Safran are also on board as executive producers, while Heather Greenwood is producing for Keal Productions alongside Leo Pearlman for Fulwell Entertainment.
"Fulwell Entertainment and Keal Productions pride themselves on working with the very best talent and IP to create unmissable and entertaining film and TV content for audiences everywhere!" Greenwood and Pearlman said in a joint statement.
"It’s thrilling to bring James Patterson’s and Tad Safran’s best-selling novel to life for the big screen.
"We can’t wait to wish audiences a very messy Christmas with all the magic, chaos and laughter that this well-loved story brings."
Dave Bishop, is also executive producing the film for Protagonist Pictures, described it as "pure holiday joy" with "heart, humour, and just enough havoc to remind us that the magic of Christmas is in the mess".
The 12 Days of Christmas doesn't have a release date yet.
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Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
