The Santa Clause actor Tim Allen discusses the major plot hole in the franchise that has always bothered him. Allen has portrayed the titular character — also known as Scott Calvin — since 1994. His series The Santa Clauses, for which he also is serving as an executive producer, premiered on Disney+ on November 16. His return in the role marks the latest since 2006’s The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.
On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Allen points out a major plot hole that was previously unaddressed in the series. He admitted that he didn’t understand why the previous Santa Clause, who Scott replaced, disappeared into thin air without any characters — like the “elves” and “Mrs. Claus” — seeming to address the situation. The Santa Clauses series, he promises, will address this plot hole, in addition to others. Check out what Allen shares during his interview below:
I never understood, even in the movie, why the elves, when I showed up at the North Pole didn’t go, ‘Hey what happened to the other guy?’ You know, I just hop in the sleigh with the kid and we go off. No one ever asks, ‘Where’s— does Mrs. Claus know that the other guy is dead?’ There were huge holes… So they, we came up with this script, The Santa Clauses. I have a family now. They end up doing all these, they fill up the holes in all this.
How The Santa Clauses TV Show Fixes Original's Plot Holes
Widely considered a holiday cult classic, the Santa Clause franchise has now ventured into television territory with The Santa Clauses, a joint-venture production between Disney Branded Television, 20th Television, Disney Television Studios, and Disney+. The show takes place 28 years after Scott has first taken on his duties as the father of Christmas. Nearing his 65th birthday, he decides to retire, but first must find a suitable replacement.
The Santa Clauses addresses its major plot hole by thoroughly exploring the Santa succession and passing on of the torch. It's now known that the previous Santa didn’t just disappear; he likely returned to his place in the civilian world. This means that his retirement was likely anticipated by those around him by the time that Allen’s Scott picked up his suit during the first Santa Clause. Additionally, it indicates that when he fell off Scott’s roof, it wasn't an accident that befell Scott, but rather fate. A similar path is being paved for Simon Choksi (Kal Penn), whose storyline runs parallel to Scott’s. His initials (S.C.) also heavily hint at his impending role.
Adding another holiday must-watch this season, The Santa Clauses seizes the revival of its franchise and makes it purposeful. Rather than just continuing where it last left off, it takes this opportunity to explain the workings of the North Pole and put the pieces of its Santa mythology together. This is exciting for new viewers to The Santa Clause franchise, but especially older ones who grew up with the classic films. How Simon and Scott’s paths will cross remains to be seen, but should be revealed shortly.
The Santa Clauses releases new episodes on Disney+ every Wednesday.