Pierson Fodé brings major holiday cheer (and plenty of laughs) to Netflix’s festive new rom-com A Merry Little Ex-Mas, starring alongside Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Melissa Joan Hart, and Jameela Jamil. In this exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Fodé opens up about his hilarious character “Chet,” working with comedy legends, and why this movie became one of his favorite projects yet.
On Playing “Chet” and Finding the Comedy
Fodé admits that playing Chet — the charming, over-the-top Santa impersonator and part-time firefighter — gave him the freedom to fully embrace his comedic side.
“Chet was kind of an evolving character,” Pierson explained. “He started out as this cool, suave guy, but we leaned more into the comedy. Once I started improvising, the team was like, ‘This is the character.’”
Fodé drew inspiration from classic comedy icons like Cary Grant, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton, which helped him shape Chet’s physical humor and lovable energy.
“I was homeschooled on a farm, so my sense of humor came from those old-school comedians. Chet really let me channel that.”
The Infamous Firefighter Scene
One of the film’s funniest moments involves Chet accidentally setting a Christmas tree on fire — and then trying to save the day in his own chaotic way.
“That was mostly improv,” Fodé laughed. “I don’t half-commit to anything. I ripped off my clothes and started beating out the fire. Everyone on set — Alicia, Jameela — was cracking up. Even the director, Steve Carr, was laughing in the background.”
Working with Alicia Silverstone
Fodé credits his A Merry Little Ex-Mas co-star Alicia Silverstone with helping create effortless chemistry on set.
“We met the first day and instantly became best friends,” he said. “She never knew what I was going to do next in a scene, and that kept things real and funny. We just played off each other naturally.”
Their playful banter and improvisation gave the film its heart — and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Collaborating with Director Steve Carr
Having helmed hit comedies like Daddy Day Care and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Steve Carr was the perfect partner for Fodé’s comedic instincts.
“Steve was phenomenal,” Pierson said. “He let me try new things every take. We collaborated constantly. He’d say, ‘Do that again, but go even bigger,’ and we just had a blast.”
Life Lessons and Holiday Spirit
Beyond the laughs, Fodé says A Merry Little Ex-Mas carries a meaningful message about love, friendship, and rediscovery.
“I’ve been through a divorce myself, so I get it,” he shared. “It’s about learning to move forward with grace and still be happy for people you once loved. That’s a beautiful part of the story.”
When asked what advice his character Chet would give the world for the holidays, Fodé smiled:
“Everything’s going to be okay. Just live your life, get off social media, and be present.”
What’s Next for Pierson Fodé
After wrapping A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Fodé jumped right into another major project — working with legendary director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) on The Last Mrs. Parrish.
“It’s surreal,” he said. “You dream about working with your heroes. Every day with Bob, I’m learning something new. He’s a genius.”
And yes — he teased even more exciting projects in development for 2026, including possible new collaborations with Netflix.
Final Thoughts
With his natural charm, comedic timing, and heart, Pierson Fodé proves that “Chet” might just be the next great holiday movie icon. A Merry Little Ex-Mas delivers everything fans want in a Christmas rom-com — laughter, warmth, and a touch of holiday chaos.
Catch Pierson Fodé in A Merry Little Ex-Mas, now streaming on Netflix.