Lil Rel Howery and Tabitha Brown are bringing holiday joy in their new film Unexpected Christmas, where they not only star but also serve as executive producers. The comedy sets up for a festive mix of laughter, love, and family drama, and it’s shaping up to be one of the must-see holiday movies of the year.
In the film, Lil Rel plays Richard, whose arrival at the Scott family Christmas reunion sparks plenty of surprises. Tabitha Brown, beloved for her warmth and humor, steps into a leading role that adds heart to the story. The movie also boasts a stacked cast including Anna Maria Horsford as Momma Scott, DomiNque Perry as Marissa, Reagan Gomez as Kerry, along with Terrence Terrell, Trell Woodberry, Ricco Ross, Koryn Hawthorne, Cecelia Friday, and Howie Bell.
The creative team behind Unexpected Christmas is just as strong. Michael Vaughn Hernandez directs from a script written by Cassandra Mann. In addition to Howery and Brown serving as executive producers, the film is backed by producers Trell Woodberry, Phil Thornton, Perrí Camper, and Norman Gyamfi, with Max Berryhill also on the production team.
With this powerhouse lineup, the movie promises to deliver more than just holiday clichés. It’s set to be a festive mix of unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughs. This is one Christmas story that fans will want to add to their holiday watchlist.
Unexpected Christmas is set to hit theaters in the U.S. November 7, 2025.
Watch Trailer Below:
