In an unexpected twist in the holiday movie landscape, Mel Gibson’s unconventional film, Fatman, is making its comeback to Paramount+, just in time for the festive season. This 2020 action-comedy merges the heartwarming essence of Christmas with a chaotic, guns-blazing narrative, presenting a uniquely gritty interpretation of Santa Claus.
Directed by Ian and Eshom Nelms, Fatman portrays Santa as Chris Cringle, played by Gibson, who is not your typical jolly old elf. Instead, he’s depicted as a rugged, semi-retired figure grappling with the struggles of running a failing business that is Santa’s workshop. The film takes a wild turn when a spoiled 12-year-old, angered by receiving a lump of coal, hires a hitman to eliminate Santa. This sets the stage for an outrageous battle that intertwines holiday cheer with dark humor.
Walton Goggins delivers a standout performance as the hitman, providing a vivid foil to Gibson’s grizzled and world-weary take on the beloved figure. The plot unfolds as a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase filled with unexpected violence and laughs, reminiscent of action films like John Wick rather than traditional holiday classics.
The official synopsis accurately captures the spirit of the film: “To save his declining business, Chris Cringle (Mel Gibson), also known as Santa Claus, is forced into a partnership with the U.S. military. Making matters worse, Chris gets locked into a deadly battle of wits against a highly skilled assassin (Walton Goggins), hired by a precocious 12-year-old after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking. ‘Tis the season for Fatman to get even, in the action-comedy that keeps on giving.”
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In addition to the return of Fatman, Gibson is also working on two highly anticipated sequels to The Passion of the Christ, with The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One and Part Two slated for release in March and May of 2027, respectively. The cast includes actors Jaakko Ohtonen, Rupert Everett, and Kasia Smutniak, following the departure of the original star, Jim Caviezel. Furthermore, rumors suggest that Gibson may once again take the director’s chair for a new installment in the iconic Lethal Weapon franchise.
For those looking to spice up their holiday movie lineup this season, Fatman offers a refreshingly unconventional blend of humor and action. The film is currently streaming on Paramount+, promising audiences a memorable holiday experience filled with unexpected thrills.
