Ed Sheeran has penned an original song called “Under The Tree” for the upcoming Netflix Christmas movie “That Christmas,” per nme.com. The animated film, directed by Simon Otto and written and produced by Richard Curtis, is set to debut on December 6.
Sheeran, who has previously worked with Curtis on the film “Yesterday,” was eager to be involved in this new project, explaining, “I find since having kids, there’s a real lack of great animated children’s Christmas movies, so I thought this was such an amazing thing to make and put into the world.”
The song, which Sheeran co-wrote with his brother Matthew, captures the emotional essence of the film, which follows the residents of a seaside town as they navigate the complexities of the holiday season. “The scene that we wrote this song for is so heartbreaking, but so real for many people at Christmas spending it without the ones they love, for so many reasons,” Sheeran said.
Curtis, who has been friends with Sheeran for years, expressed his delight in having the superstar singer-songwriter contribute to the film. “We’ve been friends for many years and – especially now that he’s a husband and a father – it’s really lovely to have him play such a key part in this film about love, children and family,” he shared.
Director Simon Otto also praised Sheeran’s song, stating, “The song has become the heart of the film ever since and it motivated us artists to bring our best and live up to the beauty and honesty it brings to the film. I’ll be forever grateful to Ed for gifting us with such an honest and beautiful piece.”
With a stellar voice cast that includes Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy, “That Christmas” promises to be a heartwarming holiday treat, made all the more special by the addition of Sheeran’s poignant original song.
