Marla Sokoloff, a beloved star of the ‘90s and early 2000s, is adding a new chapter to her career as the writer and star of Netflix’s The Merry Gentlemen. The Christmas film, premiering on November 20, combines humor, heart, and holiday magic—with a twist. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Marla discussed her creative journey, on-set experiences, and the joy of bringing this unique Christmas story to life.
Writing and Starring in The Merry Gentlemen
Marla shared her excitement about the release of her Netflix holiday film:
“I’m honestly so excited for so many reasons,” she said. “Not only does it bring Chad Michael Murray back into the spotlight—because, let’s be real, we all need more Chad with his shirt off—but this is also a story I wrote. It’s thrilling to see something I’ve created finally come to life.”
The concept for the film, which centers around a Christmas-themed all-male revue, was pitched by producer Geoff Shank. Marla immediately embraced the idea.
“I love taking something familiar, like a Christmas movie, and giving it a fresh, fun twist. This film does exactly that,” she explained.
Balancing Writing and Acting
In addition to writing the script, Marla also stars as Maria in the film. Interestingly, she didn’t initially plan to act in it.
“When I was writing it, I never thought, ‘This is a role for me.’ But when they asked if I’d play Maria, I realized I had essentially written the character in my own voice,” Marla admitted.
Once on set, she focused on separating her roles as writer and actor. “By the time we started filming, the writing was done. I trusted our director, Peter Sullivan, to put his creative spin on it, which was incredible to watch.”
Exploring Themes of Family and Tradition
A recurring theme in The Merry Gentlemen is returning home and rediscovering family connections. Marla hopes the audience finds comfort and inspiration in this message:
“In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of family traditions or where we come from. This movie is a reminder to slow down and appreciate those roots.”
On-Set Chemistry and Collaboration
The cast’s dynamic was a highlight for Marla, who worked alongside Brett Dalton and Chad Michael Murray.
“The guys had been rehearsing their dance routines for weeks, so they had this amazing bond by the time we started shooting. Brett was a doll, and Chad was incredible—so kind and professional. My daughter is a huge fan of his, and when I brought her to set, he made her day by taking photos and engaging with her.”
Crafting the Dance Routines
One of the film’s standout elements is the all-male revue performances. Marla revealed the unique process behind creating the routines:
“I’m not a dancer by any stretch of the imagination, but I had a friend in Broadway theater help me. I would record myself awkwardly dancing out the routines and send them to her, asking, ‘How do I even write this down?’ It was a hilarious process.”
Maria: A Character Close to Home
Marla described Maria as a character she connected with on multiple levels.
“She loves Christmas, loves her dog, and is all about family. Playing her was so natural and fun because she’s such a likable, relatable person.”
Favorite Behind-the-Scenes Moments
A particularly heartwarming moment for Marla was bringing her daughter to set.
“Chad was so sweet to her. My daughter is usually outgoing, but she was completely starstruck. He engaged her in conversation and made her feel so special. It’s a memory she still talks about.”
The Future of Christmas Films
When asked if she’d write or act in more holiday films, Marla was enthusiastic:
“I’m always brainstorming new ideas. Christmas movies bring people together, and they’re timeless. There’s something magical about this time of year that everyone can agree on.”
Reflecting on a ‘90s Legacy
Marla also touched on her earlier career and its impact on her current work.
“Growing up in the ‘90s shaped me in so many ways. Fans still approach me to talk about Full House, Dude, Where’s My Car?, or Party of Five. It’s amazing to connect with people over something they loved from that era.”
What to Expect from The Merry Gentlemen
As the conversation wrapped, Marla shared what she hopes viewers take away from the film:
“It’s a feel-good movie for everyone—your mom will love it, your kids will love it, and you’ll love it. Plus, let’s not forget, Chad Michael Murray shirtless. That’s a holiday gift in itself.”
Where to Follow Marla
Fans can stay updated on Marla’s projects through her social media:
Instagram: @MarlaSokoloff
TikTok: @MarlaSok
Marla Sokoloff’s The Merry Gentlemen brings a refreshing twist to holiday storytelling. With humor, heart, and a dash of holiday magic, it’s a must-watch film for the season. Catch it on Netflix starting November 20th!