According to a Deadline exclusive, fans of the beloved Christmas film The Santa Clause will be pleased to learn that Laura San Giacomo will be guest starring on the new programme, The Santa Clauses. The premiere of the series on Disney+ is scheduled for later this year.
The NCIS actress San Giacomo is taking on the role of the Italian Christmas witch La Befana. On Epiphany, a Christian feast day, La Befana, who plays a role somewhat unlike that of Santa Claus, visits good youngsters all around Italy and brings them gifts.
No one knows what function this figure will play in the spectacle, but it does indicate that international celebrations will be highlighted. The news follows a previous rumour that David Krumholtz, who portrayed Bernard the Head Elf in the flicks, might reprise his role. Tim Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell are back as Scott and Carol Calvin, and they’re joined by Giacomo. Kal Penn (A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas) will play Simon Choski, Austin Kane will play Kal, and Matilda Lawler will play Betty in the series.
Alongside Elizabeth Allen-Dick, Allen’s real-life daughter, who will play Sandra, and Devin Bright, who will play Noel, the series will also include Rupali Redd as Grace. The Santa Clauses has the makings of a special holiday treat for fans of the series thanks to its strong ensemble cast of new and returning performers. The show will follow Scott Calvin as he approaches his 65th birthday and begins to lose his lustre. When Calvin realises he can’t keep up appearances as Santa forever and that his family deserves more, he sets out to find a successor and get them ready for life away from the North Pole.
The next person to don the red suit and assume the role of Santa Claus will be revealed in the upcoming Disney+ Christmas series. Executive producing The Santa Clauses will be showrunner Jack Burditt, who worked with San Giacomo on the sitcom Just Shoot Me. Allen, Kevin Hench, and Richard Baker of Small Dog Picture Company serve as co-executive producers alongside Rick Messina, Jason Winer, and Jon Radler. The premiere date for the series has not yet been announced, but it is anticipated that it will air on Disney+ before the end of the year.