Mario Lopez Begins Production on His First Great American Family Christmas Movie

K.L. Connie Wang

23 April 2024 at 1:32 pm·3-min read

Great American Family is giving the Hallmark Channel a run for its money in the Christmas movie department, stealing away key talent like Candace Cameron Bure, Trevor Donovan and Danica McKellar.

Add Mario Lopez to that list. The former teen heartthrob has signed on for a series of projects for the upstart network lead by former Hallmark Channel CEO Bill Abbott.

The network is planning dozens of new original movies this holiday season, and Lopez's first project is, you guessed it, a Christmas movie. Production began earlier this month on My Grown-Up Christmas List starring Lopez, his wife, Courtney, and their son, Dominic. Here's what we know so far about the movie.

What is My Grown-Up Christmas Wish about?

In My Grown-Up Christmas Wish, Mayor Brian Ortega (Lopez) is beloved in the idyllic community of Long Grove. While decorating for Christmas with the residents, Brian discovers his childhood Christmas wish list which magically begins to come true. This reminds Brian about the spirit and joy of the holiday just as his childhood friend Nina Meyers (Courtney Lopez) returns to town. A connection becomes undeniable as she helps Brian face a new challenge for the town. As Brian’s wishes come true, he inspires the town to showcase its warm culture and values in order to stop the modern world from stifling the charm and heart of Long Grove.

Where is My Grown-Up Christmas Wish filming?

My Grown-Up Christmas Wish is filming in Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Meet the cast of My Grown-Up Christmas Wish

Mario Lopez (Brian)

Lopez has been acting since he was a child, first with a role on an episode of Simon & Simon and later (and more famously) with a series regular role as A.C. Slater on Saved By the Bell. In a hilarious collaboration between Lifetime and KFC (yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken), Lopez played a sexy Col. Sanders in a short film called, A Recipe for Seduction. His most recent Christmas movies were Steppin' Into the Holiday and Holiday in Santa Fe for Lifetime.

Courtney Lopez (Nina)

Lopez previously appeared on Pittsburgh, I Love Us, and The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia. She has appeared with Mario in several projects including Feliz NaviDAD, Steppin' Into the Holiday, and the 2020 reboot of Saved By the Bell.

Dominic Lopez (young Brian)

Dominic Lopez is the real-life son of Mario and Courtney and joins his parents in this film playing Brian as a young boy. While Dominic has appeared with his father on Extra, this is his first acting role.

When does production begin on My Grown-Up Christmas Wish?

Production began in early April 2024 on My Grown-Up Christmas Wish.

Where can I watch My Grown-Up Christmas Wish?

My Grown-Up Christmas Wish will premiere exclusively on Great American Family.

When does My Grown-Up Christmas Wish premiere?

No official date has been announced yet, but we do know My Grown-Up Christmas List will premiere as part of Great American Family's 2024 Great American Christmas lineup.

Does Parade have a sneak peek of My Grown-Up Christmas Wish?

We don't yet as the film has only started filming, but check back here for updates!

Check out images from My Grown-Up Christmas Wish

View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

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