‘So much heart and love’ in Hulu’s ‘Nutcrackers’

LOS ANGELES — Ben Stiller returns to acting in Hulu’s new family holiday film, “Nutcrackers.”

He plays strait-laced and work-obsessed Mike, who is suddenly thrust into being a caregiver for his rambunctious, orphaned nephews.

The film is directed by David Gordon Green, who was inspired by the four sons of his lifelong friend living on a farm. And not only were the Janson brothers an inspiration for the film, but Homer, Ulysses, Atlas and Arlo also starred in “Nutcrackers.”

In an interview with Spectrum News, Ulysses Janson said working with his siblings on the film was amazing.

“Even when you are not in a scene with them, we’d be looking at them like, ‘oh, is he going to get it? Oh, that’s a great improv scene.’ We just loved working together and having fun. Everybody, even the movie people, we were connected. They were like our family,” he said.

Because being the inspiration and working with each other on the film was not enough, the Jenson brothers also opened their home and their fifth-generation farm to film production. “Nutcrackers” was filmed on their family farm and home, and the animals seen in the movie belong to them.

“I was just so surprised that all our animals, our house, got to be in the film. I was just so happy seeing the cameras film in our house,” said Atlas Janson.

And they may be big Hollywood stars now, but their farm duties have not stopped. Homer Janson told Spectrum News his duties include cleaning the chicken and guinea pig stalls, while his brother’s, Arlo, duties include feeding the animals. In total, the brothers said they have about 90 animals on their farm.

Linda Cardellini in “Nutcrackers.” (Image courtesy of Hulu and Disney/Ryan Green)

So how was it for the brothers going from an Ohio farm to working with two of Hollywood’s biggest stars?

Linda Cardellini, who also stars in “Nutcrackers,” told Spectrum News it was so much fun seeing Stiller do what he does best on screen with the Jenson brothers, and hopes everyone enjoys the film.

“I love a holiday movie, and I think the great thing about this movie is what family means. Maybe not the family you intend to have, but the family you have around you and how much that love matters. It breaks through everything,” Cardellini told Spectrum News.

Stiller said that “Nutcrackers” reminded him of films he grew up with and for it was an opportunity to make a film that was not cynical but was funny, a little edgy and heartfelt. 

“There is so much heart and love in the film. I think right now in our world, it’s great to have a movie, especially over the holidays, that’s there for everybody to enjoy. It’s very organic and made with love,” he told Spectrum News.

“Nutcrackers” is now streaming only on Hulu.

Click the arrow above to watch the full interview with the cast.