Unwrapping ‘Let It Snow’ on Netflix: Exclusive Cast Insights into the Heartwarming Holiday Film

As the holiday season draws near, Netflix is set to deliver another dose of festive cheer with its highly anticipated new movie, Let It Snow. Launching on November 8, this heartwarming film is an adaptation of the immensely popular bestselling book of the same name, a collaborative masterpiece by acclaimed authors John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring some of Hollywood’s most talented rising stars, including Kiernan Shipka, Isabela Merced, Odeya Rush, Matthew Noszka, and Shameik Moore, among others. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to speak with several key cast members at the movie’s Los Angeles premiere on November 4, where they graciously offered a sneak peek into their characters and the magic behind this enchanting holiday tale.

One of the most intriguing characters brought to life in Let It Snow is The Duke, played by the talented Kiernan Shipka. Known for her captivating performances, Shipka delves into a role that resonates with many young adults navigating the complexities of adolescent love and self-discovery. Describing her character, Kiernan enthusiastically told HollywoodLife, “The Duke is a really fun character. She gets caught up in a bit of a love triangle, as is custom for characters that I play, but she’s a really cool girl. She’s self-assured and it’s basically about a girl kind of finding her way as a young teenager, coming of age, sort of finding out what love is and how to express it and how to tell people how she really feels.” This journey of emotional exploration and maturation is a central theme for The Duke, making her a relatable figure for audiences grappling with similar experiences during their formative years. Shipka’s portrayal promises a nuanced exploration of a young woman asserting her identity and understanding the dynamics of affection.

Shipka, renowned for her leading role in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, also shared the compelling reasons behind her decision to join the Let It Snow cast. Her admiration for the source material and its celebrated authors played a significant role. “I love John Green and I love this book,” she affirmed. “I loved this script for a really long time. When it all sort of started coming together I thought it was kind of the perfect contemporary movie in a lot of ways.” This sentiment highlights the film’s ability to capture the essence of modern teenage life, presenting a story that is both timeless in its themes of love and friendship, yet fresh and relevant to today’s audience. Shipka’s personal connection to the original work undoubtedly enriched her performance, contributing to an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of The Duke.

The Duke’s narrative is interwoven with her close friends, Tobin and JP, the latter of whom is portrayed by Matthew Noszka. Noszka shed light on his character, JP, revealing a depth that defies initial appearances. “JP is a guy that you wouldn’t expect to be who he is,” Matthew explained. He elaborated, “He’s someone that a lot of people I think just in today’s society and in a movie you would look at and you’d be like, ‘Oh, he’s like a good looking guy that probably doesn’t know anything.’ It was a great role for me because I really loved diving into his character, someone who is truly passionate about helping others and that’s what he does in this movie.” This subversion of expectations is a core element of JP’s appeal, showcasing a character whose actions speak louder than preconceived notions. His commitment to selfless service forms a vital part of his identity and contributions to the narrative.

Noszka further elaborated on JP’s role within his friendship group, emphasizing his supportive and empowering nature. He continued, “He can step up and speak for himself and tell people who he is and what he stands for. I think that’s what he gives Tobin in the film. Tobin, the Duke, and my character are like the three Musketeers.” This dynamic paints a vivid picture of camaraderie and mutual support. JP’s influence on Tobin is particularly significant, as Matthew revealed, “I think I give him the courage to finally stand up to bullies. But not only that, tell his crush that he is in love with her.” This highlights JP’s role as a catalyst for growth and bravery within his friend group, fostering an environment where individuals can overcome their fears and express their true feelings, solidifying the bonds between these characters.

Let It Snow gracefully weaves together three distinct holiday romances, each offering a unique perspective on love, friendship, and personal challenges. Among these narratives is the story of Addie and Jeb, portrayed by Isabela Merced and Mason Gooding, respectively. Isabela provided insight into her character, Addie, detailing the internal struggles she faces during the festive season. “She’s conflicted,” Isabela told HollywoodLife. “My character got accepted to Columbia and she’s from a small town. She kind of hates Christmas and is very pessimistic about it. She’s dealing with this one conflict that she hasn’t told anyone about yet. So it’s a very hard time for her.” Addie’s story explores the universal pressures of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, especially when faced with life-altering decisions. Her cynicism towards Christmas adds a layer of complexity, making her journey of self-discovery and acceptance all the more poignant and engaging for viewers.

The weight of Addie’s choices is substantial, as Isabela articulated, “This marks either the start of something new or the continuation of the old, so she has to make a big decision.” This pivotal moment in Addie’s life forms the crux of her storyline, inviting audiences to reflect on the significant crossroads they often encounter in their own lives. Her struggle to reconcile her past with her future, coupled with her guarded secret, creates a compelling character arc that many viewers will find relatable and emotionally resonant. Addie’s internal battle against cynicism and her journey toward embracing vulnerability are central to her experience in the film, making her a truly memorable character.

Complementing Addie’s storyline is Jeb, her boyfriend, played by Mason Gooding. Mason teased that his character is often “misunderstood,” a trait that adds complexity to his persona and his relationship with Addie. Jeb is portrayed as an active member of the debate team, suggesting an intellectual and argumentative side, yet he also “spends a lot of his time socializing.” This balance between academic pursuit and social engagement often leads to a conflict of priorities, particularly within his romantic relationship. Mason elaborated, “He maybe should be paying attention to his respective other, and it kind of creates a tension between the two that gets fleshed out throughout the film. It’s just like in real life.” This realistic portrayal of relationship dynamics, where external commitments and differing priorities can strain a partnership, makes Jeb and Addie’s story incredibly authentic and relatable, mirroring the challenges many young couples face.

Given that Let It Snow is an adaptation of a cherished book, the inevitable question arose regarding the movie’s fidelity to its literary source. The cast members candidly addressed this, with Matthew Noszka offering a nuanced perspective. “It’s not the same,” Matthew admitted. However, he quickly elaborated on the collaborative process that shaped his character: “I spoke to John Green and Maureen and they gave me the insight on who my character truly was. I found out that John actually characterized himself after Tobin and it was cool because Tobin and I have this love-hate relationship.” This direct involvement of the authors in character development for the film highlights a respectful approach to adaptation, even amidst changes. Noszka noted the evolution of his character’s relationship with Tobin, stating, “But towards the end, it kind of really pulls together.”

Matthew Noszka further justified the deviations from the original text, explaining, “I think it is different from the book, but it was good that it was different because it made it more contemporary and it spoke to the age that we’re in now.” This perspective underscores the film’s conscious effort to resonate with a modern audience, ensuring its themes and narratives feel current and relevant. Mason Gooding echoed this sentiment, adding that there are “definitely surprises” in the movie that diverge from the book. He shared his personal take on adaptations: “Like Harry Potter or something, when it stays too close to the book, it’s almost like I can expect everything to be that way and it kind of irks me sometimes.” Gooding appreciates when filmmakers take creative liberties to enhance the storytelling experience.

Mason continued, “I like that there are some surprises, or creative liberties, taken from the source material. This definitely does that. So hopefully you like them.” This suggests that the changes were not arbitrary but thoughtfully implemented to provide a fresh viewing experience while retaining the spirit of the original. Such creative choices can transform a straightforward adaptation into a dynamic cinematic event, offering unexpected twists that delight both new audiences and avid fans of the book. The cast’s approval of these changes suggests that the film found a balance between honoring its source and carving its own distinct identity, ensuring a compelling narrative that stands on its own merit while still being recognizably rooted in the beloved book.

In a saturated market of holiday movies, distinguishing a new film can be a challenge. Shameik Moore and Mason Gooding discussed what truly sets Let It Snow apart from other festive cinematic offerings. Shameik pointed directly to the human element, stating, “Just the cast. None of us had been in a holiday movie, so I think the cast and the directors always make the movie.” This emphasizes the fresh energy and unique chemistry that an inexperienced holiday film cast can bring, injecting new life into a well-trodden genre. He further elaborated on the multifaceted nature of filmmaking: “It’s three different movies: there’s the movie that you write, there’s the movie that you shoot, and there’s the movie that you edit.” This profound insight suggests that the final product is a culmination of various creative interpretations, each adding layers of meaning and style.

Shameik concluded by highlighting the film’s unique execution: “I think what makes this movie different might not be the writing, but it’s probably the execution and how it was put together.” This underscores the crucial role of directorial vision, acting performances, and post-production in shaping the film’s distinct identity, allowing it to stand out in a crowded landscape. Mason Gooding expanded on this, focusing on the film’s thematic depth and its broad appeal. He articulated, “It’s definitely the connection it makes with teenage relationships between the different demographics, different sexualities, race, and though it’s not an overtly political film, it does shine a light on who we are as people and how we can relate to one another through the holidays and in general.”

Mason’s observations highlight Let It Snow’s inclusive approach, showcasing a diverse array of characters and relationships that reflect the real world. This subtle yet powerful representation allows a wider audience to see themselves reflected on screen, fostering a deeper, more personal connection to the story. By exploring universal themes of love, friendship, and personal growth through a diverse lens, the movie transcends typical holiday film clichés. It offers a narrative that is not only entertaining but also meaningful, encouraging empathy and understanding among viewers. This nuanced portrayal of human connection, set against the backdrop of a magical snowy day, ensures that Let It Snow is more than just another holiday movie; it’s a celebration of diversity and shared humanity.

As Let It Snow prepares to stream exclusively on Netflix, it promises to be a memorable addition to your holiday viewing list. With its compelling ensemble cast, heartfelt narratives, and a fresh take on beloved source material, the film offers a blend of romance, humor, and genuine emotion that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of John Green’s original work or simply looking for a new, engaging holiday story, this movie is poised to deliver a captivating experience. So, cozy up, grab a warm drink, and prepare to be enchanted by the charm and spirit of Let It Snow, a testament to the enduring magic of connection during the most wonderful time of the year.