The Happiest Season cast is helping Hulu get into the holiday spirit. Written and directed by Clea DuVall, the movie went into development in 2018 with the intention of a theatrical release in 2020. Due to shutdowns stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, the rights to Happiest Season were exclusively sold to Hulu for streaming.
Happiest Season follows a young woman named Abby who wants to take the relationship with her girlfriend, Harper, to the next level by proposing to her at her family's annual holiday celebration. Unbeknownst to Abby, Harper has yet to come out as gay to her family, which throws a wrench into Abby's plans since they have no choice but to hide why they're so close.
The Hulu film is being advertised as a heartfelt and charming holiday comedy. More importantly, it caters to the LGBTQ community, which still isn't represented properly as the focus of big titles. Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis headline the Happiest Season cast, but they are far from being the only familiar faces in the lineup.
Kristen Stewart As Abigail
Kristen Stewart portrays the role of Abigail or "Abby," a young woman working toward her art-history doctorate at Carnegie Mellon. Abby lives with her girlfriend, Harper, and agrees to join her and her family for the holidays. Abby's plan to propose to Harper in front of her family gets derailed when she learns that Harper has never officially come out. To hide the truth, Abby pretends to be Harper's roommate who needed somewhere to go for Christmas. Stewart, of course, is known for playing Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga, but her most recent movies include Charlie's Angels and Underwater.
Mackenzie Davis As Harper
Mackenzie Davis stars opposite Stewart as Abby's serious girlfriend, Harper. While living with Abby, Harper works as a political reporter on The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Though she's devoted to her girlfriend, Harper reveals that her conservative family doesn't know the truth about their relationship. Davis' most notable work includes Halt and Catch Fire, Black Mirror, The Martian, Blade Runner 2049, and Terminator: Dark Fate.
Dan Levy As John
Dan Levy plays the role of John, Abby's gay best friend that helps her initially plan the proposal. When that goes awry, it's John who reminds Abby that everyone's coming out story is unique. Most viewers would recognize Levy from his time as David Rose on Schitt's Creek, a TV series he created with his father, Eugene Levy.
Happiest Season Supporting Cast
Mary Steenburgen as Tipper Caldwell: Tipper is Harper's conservative mother. Steenburgen's notable movies include Parenthood, Back to the Future Part III, Philadelphia, Elf, Step Brothers, The Proposal, The Help, and Book Club.
Victor Garber as Ted Caldwell: Ted is Harper's father who is running to be the town's mayor. Garber would be recognized for his roles in Sleepless in Seattle, Legally Blonde, Titanic, Alias, The Good Wife, Damages, and Legends of Tomorrow.
Alison Brie as Sloane Caldwell: Sloane is Harper's sister who is married with two kids. Aside from playing Annie in Community, Brie previously starred in Mad Men, GLOW, Horse Girl, and The Rental.
Mary Holland as Jane Caldwell: Jane is Harper's other sister who is working on a fantasy novel. Holland recently appeared in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Unicorn Store, and The Package.
Burl Moseley as Eric: Eric is Sloane's husband and the father of their two kids. Moseley's notable work includes Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, 24, and Grey's Anatomy.
Aubrey Plaza as Riley: Riley is Harper's secret ex-girlfriend. Plaza's most well-known role is playing April in Parks & Recreation, but she more recently appeared in Legion, Ingrid Goes West, Child's Play, and Black Bear.
Jake McDorman as Connor: Connor is Harper's high school ex-boyfriend. McDorman's recognizable work includes Limitless, Greek, Shameless, and currently playing Alan Shepard in The Right Stuff.
Ana Gasteyer as Harry Levin: Harry is a key donor for Ted's campaign. The Saturday Night Live alum has recently appeared in Wine Country, Schooled, People of Earth, and The Goldbergs.