An elf helps to save Santa’s reputation when something goes badly wrong at the North Pole... No, we haven’t been watching ace Aardman comedy Arthur Christmas in a desperate attempt to recreate the festive season. That’s the plot for Saving Santa**, a new ‘toon set to feature the voices of Martin Freeman, Noel Clarke, Joan Collins and Tim Curry.
While you might wonder why someone else wants to tackle a Christmas cartoon so soon after Aardman’s effort, that doesn’t seem to be bothering the team from Adulthood / Shank producers Gateway Films, which is using the new movie to launch its animated output.
Freeman will be playing a clumsy elf who has to rescue Santa’s HQ when its location is discovered by a nasty villain. Ricky Roxburgh has written the script and Leon Joosen is directing.
The voice cast also boasts the likes of Pam Ferris, Craig Fairbass and Chris Barrie, and Gateway is now looking for a studio partner to take on the world distribution rights. There’s no word on when it’ll be ready for release.