Fatman

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 13, 2020

Genre
Action, Comedy, Dark Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Mel Gibson as Chris Cringle (Santa Claus)
• Walton Goggins as Jonathan Miller (Skinny Man)
• Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Ruth Cringle
• Chance Hurstfield as Billy Wenan
• Robert Bockstael as Captain Jacobs

Directors
Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms

Other Movies Directors are Known For

• Small Town Crime (2017)
• Waffle Street (2015)

Producers
Nadine de Barros, Michelle Lang, Todd Courtney, Chelsea Bloch, Robert Menzies, Lisa Wolofsky

Writers
Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms

Budget
Estimated $20 million

Production Company
Saban Films, Skywolf Media, Mammoth Entertainment

Running Time
100 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for bloody violence, language, and some drug use)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Graphic violence
• Dark comedic elements
• Drug use

Movie Story
“Fatman” is an unconventional dark comedy that reimagines Santa Claus as a grizzled, world-weary figure named Chris Cringle (Mel Gibson), who is struggling to keep his business afloat. This version of Santa isn’t the jolly, rosy-cheeked figure of tradition—instead, he’s a tough, no-nonsense man living in a remote area of Alaska with his wife, Ruth (Marianne Jean-Baptiste). Chris’s operation has fallen on hard times, with fewer children making the “nice” list and government contracts barely keeping the workshop running.

The film takes a dark turn when a spoiled and vengeful 12-year-old named Billy Wenan (Chance Hurstfield) hires a hitman, Jonathan Miller (Walton Goggins), to take out Santa Claus after receiving a lump of coal for Christmas. Miller, who harbors his own deep-seated grudge against Santa, accepts the job with gleeful determination, setting off a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

As the assassin closes in, Chris must use his wits and combat skills to defend himself and his legacy. The film mixes action-packed sequences with dark humor, exploring the themes of vengeance, redemption, and the harsh realities of a mythical figure trying to survive in a cynical world.

Special Effects
“Fatman” features practical effects combined with some CGI to create its action sequences. The film’s special effects are used to emphasize the gritty and realistic tone of the story, particularly in the scenes involving shootouts and physical confrontations. The dark, wintry setting of Alaska is effectively captured, adding to the film’s bleak and atmospheric tone.

Box Office Performance
“Fatman” had a limited theatrical release and was also made available on video on demand (VOD) platforms. Despite its unconventional premise, the film attracted attention for its dark humor and Mel Gibson’s portrayal of a hardened, battle-ready Santa Claus. While it didn’t achieve mainstream box office success, “Fatman” developed a cult following among fans of offbeat action-comedies.

Filming Locations

• Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “You think you’re the first? You think I got this job because I’m fat and jolly?” – Chris Cringle
• “I’ve come for your head, fat man!” – Jonathan Miller

Behind-the-Scenes
“Fatman” was a passion project for brothers Eshom and Ian Nelms, who wanted to create a film that blended elements of holiday tradition with a gritty action-comedy. The casting of Mel Gibson as a grizzled Santa Claus brought a unique edge to the film, and Walton Goggins’ portrayal of the eccentric hitman added to the film’s darkly comedic tone. The film was shot in Canada, using the snowy landscapes to enhance the bleak, wintry atmosphere that surrounds the story.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Fatman” is a darkly comedic and action-packed take on the Santa Claus mythos, offering a fresh and irreverent twist on the holiday genre. Mel Gibson delivers a standout performance as the world-weary Chris Cringle, and Walton Goggins shines as the relentless hitman out for vengeance. The film’s mix of gritty action and dark humor makes it a unique watch, though its unconventional approach may not appeal to everyone. For those who enjoy offbeat holiday films with a dash of violence and cynicism, “Fatman” is a must-watch.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10