Hallmark Channel’s upcoming Christmas movie, “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” features a star-studded cast that includes seasoned actors and some special newcomers making their debut on the Hollywood field. The film is set to bring both the magic of Christmas and the excitement of football together in a heartwarming story.
Leading the cast are Hallmark favorites Tyler Hynes and Hunter King, who play pivotal roles in the movie and also serve as mentors to some first-time actors on set. Among the newcomers are Donna Kelce, mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, as well as Kansas City Chiefs players Trey Smith and Mecole Hardman Jr. Together, they bring a blend of real-life NFL charm to the fictional love story.
During an exclusive set visit at Arrowhead Stadium in July, Tyler Hynes spoke to PEOPLE about the experience of working with Kelce and the Chiefs players, revealing how the transition from the football field to the film set was a bit overwhelming for some.
“Donna was a little overwhelmed,” Hynes, 38, shared between takes. “It’s a lot. There’s a lot of people, a lot of moving parts, and a lot of people talking to you between [takes]. It’s like we’re making a movie in the middle of a circus, so it can be tough for anyone coming in fresh. They can feel that energy even if they can’t fully articulate it. You can just see them being a little overwhelmed.”
Hynes, a Hallmark veteran with over 20 movies under his belt, had a special approach to helping his new co-stars adjust to the fast-paced environment of a movie set. He admitted to having a “trick” up his sleeve for putting people at ease.
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“There’s a move I do sometimes. I shouldn’t tell this secret, but when somebody’s new on set, I’ll come and I’ll blow my line right away, just to set the tone and put the bar down low,” Hynes confessed with a smile.
Hunter King, 31, who stars alongside Hynes, chimed in, “You show them it’s okay to mess up.”
Hynes continued, “I always say to people coming into this environment that the only difference between them and me is I don’t care when I mess up a line. I just ask for the line again. It’s that sort of stigma we need to get past. Nobody cares. We’re all here on your team.”
PEOPLE got to see Hynes’ supportive nature in action while filming a party scene with Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith in the Penthouse at Arrowhead Stadium. In the scene, Hynes plays Derrick, the Chiefs’ Director of Fan Engagement, who is trying to impress superfan Alana, played by King, by sharing various stats about the team. Smith joins the conversation briefly, and several times during filming, Hynes called for a line or requested a restart, especially as he rattled off stats.
“I was actually struggling with that line,” Hynes admitted. “All those statistics — I didn’t want to mess them up. If I get a comma wrong or don’t pronounce something right, it’s all just jibber-jabber to me.”
Hunter King was quick to back him up, adding, “Also, because he’s right there! It’s even more pressure when Trey’s standing in front of you.”
Hynes further explained, “Do you know how bummed you would be if he watched the movie and said, ‘That’s not right’? I would feel so bad!”
Trey Smith, 25, took the experience in stride, sharing how it wasn’t as intimidating as he initially expected. “It wasn’t as much pressure as I thought it would be,” Smith told PEOPLE. “I thought I would have to memorize my lines or that it would be a lot tougher, but I’m thankful it wasn’t. Everyone’s been so sweet.”
Filming at Arrowhead Stadium certainly added a layer of comfort for Smith. “I’m definitely in my comfort zone,” he said with a laugh. “I’m never in this area without being stressed because usually I’m walking out of the tunnel for a game. So it’s definitely a lot more relaxing right now.”
Tyler Hynes praised Smith’s performance, saying, “He did amazing. He’s a natural.” With the support of experienced actors like Hynes and King, Smith, Kelce, and Hardman have all been able to embrace their roles and enjoy their first foray into acting.
“Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” premieres on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.
The movie promises to bring festive cheer and a love story set against the backdrop of football fandom, featuring a unique mix of Hollywood talent and NFL stars, making it a must-watch for both football and Hallmark fans alike.
