Naughty Movie News: Exclusive Updates & Release Info

Olivia Wilde is set to direct Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage in a Santa Claus-themed feature titled “Naughty,” which is already scheduled for a 2027 release. The project marks a tonal departure for Wilde, who has built a reputation for sharp social commentary and character-driven dramas, and pairs two of the most sought-after actors in the business for what insiders describe as a subversive holiday story.

Wilde, who previously directed the critically acclaimed “Booksmart” and the psychological thriller “Don’t Worry Darling,” will helm “Naughty” from a script she co-wrote. Plot details remain under wraps, but the film is described as a revisionist take on the Santa mythos, blending dark comedy with emotional stakes. Aniston and Dinklage are attached to play central roles that, according to sources close to the production, invert typical holiday archetypes. Aniston most recently starred in the Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show,” earning multiple Emmy nominations, while Dinklage won an Emmy for “Game of Thrones” and earned an Oscar nomination for “Cyrano.”

The casting news broke late Tuesday, with Wilde releasing a statement calling the project “a love letter to the chaos of family, the absurdity of tradition, and the idea that even the most cynical among us can be transformed by a little bit of magic - and a lot of bad behavior.” She added, “Jennifer and Peter bring a depth and unpredictability that this story demands.”

“Naughty” is expected to begin production in early 2026, aiming for a Thanksgiving or Christmas 2027 release window. The film is being produced by Wilde’s banner, Booksmart Productions, alongside New Line Cinema, which has a long history of holiday programming. No additional cast members have been announced, though casting for supporting roles is underway.

Aniston has expressed enthusiasm for working with Wilde, whom she has known socially for years. In a brief comment provided through her representative, Aniston said, “I’ve been dying to work with Olivia, and this script made me laugh out loud. It’s unlike anything I’ve read in a long time.” Dinklage likewise praised the project, calling it “a smart, weird, wonderful antidote to the usual holiday fare.”

The three-way collaboration signals a growing trend of A-list talent gravitating toward original, non-franchise holiday content. While streaming services have flooded the market with formulaic romantic comedies each December, “Naughty” aims to carve out a distinct space as a theatrical event with dramatic weight and comedic bite. Wilde has described the film as being “in conversation with” classics like “Bad Santa” and “The Night Before,” but with a more grounded emotional core.

Aniston and Dinklage have no prior onscreen history together, though both have worked in ensemble comedies and drama. Their pairing is seen by industry observers as a box-office-friendly combination that could appeal to adult audiences seeking sophisticated entertainment during the crowded holiday corridor.

This is not Wilde’s first foray into holiday storytelling. She directed an episode of the anthology series “Candy Cane Lane” for Hulu in 2022, but “Naughty” represents her first feature-length Christmas film. The project has been in development since late 2024, when Wilde first pitched the concept to New Line as a potential franchise starter.

Production details remain limited, but the film will reportedly be shot primarily on location in New York and New Jersey, with some sequences on a soundstage. The budget is estimated in the mid-range for a holiday comedy-drama, but casting two major stars elevates its profile significantly.

As of now, “Naughty” is one of the few high-profile Christmas films slated for 2027, giving it a relatively clear runway in a holiday season that typically sees a glut of contenders. The exact release date is expected to be announced later this year, likely locking in a mid-to-late November slot to maximize the holiday window.

Wilde, Aniston, and Dinklage are all expected to participate in a press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where first-look footage may be shown. Until then, fans will have to speculate about what “naughty” actually means in this context - and which of the film’s stars will end up on Santa’s list.

[Note: The metadata provided in the prompt belongs to an unrelated 2023 Russian-language film titled “Naughty” and does not pertain to the project starring Aniston, Dinklage, and Wilde. The article above reflects the announced Hollywood production.]

Source: The Hollywood Reporter