How That Christmas Brings Holiday Magic to Life: An Interview with Simon Otto

Simon Otto’s journey to directing Netflix’s That Christmas.

Netflix has gifted audiences a heartwarming holiday treat with That Christmas, a delightful animated film based on Richard Curtis’s trilogy of children’s books. Directed by Simon Otto, best known for his animation work on How to Train Your Dragon, the film weaves together stories of love, family, and seasonal mishaps, capturing the spirit of the holidays with charm and humor. During a conversation with Otto, he shared insights into his directorial debut and the creative journey behind the movie. Read our review here!

Otto described his transition from animation to directing as a mix of fate and curiosity. “I’d directed episodes of Love, Death & Robots and done other projects, but stepping into a full feature was a unique challenge,” Otto said. “When Locksmith Animation brought up The Empty Stocking by Richard Curtis, I saw the potential to expand it into something extraordinary. Given his pedigree with classics like Love Actually and Notting Hill, Curtis’s involvement as writer and executive producer made it even more appealing.”

The film is visually enchanting, offering a tangible and nostalgic world.

Otto explained how the team aimed for a style that balanced the warmth of stop-motion with the elegance of illustrations. “We didn’t want to overcomplicate the visuals. Instead, we focused on textures and authenticity,” he said. The production designer, Justin Hutchinson Chatburn, and character designer, Uwe Heichutter, played pivotal roles in creating a town that feels alive—a snow-covered haven filled with whimsical holiday magic.

Otto’s own childhood in Switzerland influenced the film’s snowy setting. “Growing up with snowy Decembers shaped my love for the holidays. That first morning after snowfall, the quiet magic—it’s something I wanted to capture onscreen,” he shared. The snow in That Christmas isn’t just a backdrop but a character, evoking emotions that range from serenity to adventure.

As for the film’s future, Otto hopes to explore more stories within this festive universe. “The characters in That Christmas remind me of the Peanuts gang—there’s so much depth to them. Revisiting this world would be amazing, though we designed this film to stand on its own,” he said.

Otto also revealed his admiration for Christmas classics, citing Elf and Klaus as inspirations. “Those films capture the essence of the holidays in such unique ways,” he said. His hope? That Christmas might one day sit alongside those beloved favorites.

When asked about Easter eggs in the film, Otto teased that observant viewers might spot nods to Swiss traditions and his snowy upbringing. “Animation is a playground, and sneaking in personal touches makes the process even more rewarding,” he added.

That Christmas stands out as a holiday film filled with heart, humor, and visual splendor. With Simon Otto at the helm and Richard Curtis’s timeless storytelling, it’s destined to become a seasonal favorite. As Otto says, “If you love snow, family, and the chaos of the holidays, this film is for you.”

Now streaming on Netflix, That Christmas is a must-watch for anyone looking to add a little extra warmth and joy to their holiday season.

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