It looks like the year’s movie news has peaked with the announcement of a Last Christmas movie. The Radio Times in the UK is reporting that a film based around the famous Yuletide song, inspired by George Michael, written by Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings, and directed by Bridesmaids filmmaker Paul Feig, is actually happening. More on the planned Last Christmas film below.
Last Christmas film planned, inspired by the WHAM! song and George Michael
The screenplay for the film was reportedly developed with Michael’s participation until his death on Christmas Day in 2016.
“When I came on board, George was up for it. He’d already signed something to say yes, but he’d passed away,” Kimmings told the Radio Times.
Kimmings adds in the interview that the original script, which was developed with Michael, Thompson and her husband Greg Wise, contained the kind of “queer politics” that George Michael was interested in. “I tried to slip in some trans people and make sure there was queer politics in there … I don’t know how much of that remains!”
Related: Trailer lands for A Simple Favour from director Paul Feig
“I doubt there’ll be a trans lead,” she added. “But I hope that there’s quite an element of queer in there, because you know it’s the story – it’s based on the song, Last Christmas. George was such a massive advocate for gay rights – and a massive gay himself! – so I hope there’s a gay narrative in there.”
The film is said to be a ‘holiday romance set in London,’ but there has been no information given on when shooting will begin or when we can expect to see it. We’re assuming that Universal Pictures, who now have the rights, will target a festive release.
Perhaps next Christmas?
Feig is currently putting the finishing touches to A Simple Favour, which releases this September, and previously directed comedies The Heat, Spy and Ghostbusters.
The news that Last Christmas was in development was first scored by Deadline last month, but I had no idea that there was a connection between the project and George Michael, despite the obvious title.
We’re excited. If there’s any a reason to play arguably the greatest Christmas song of all time in July, this is it.
