Freddie Prinze Jr. reunites for new Christmas rom-com as he teams up with Rachael Leigh Cook, his co-star from the classic 1999 film She’s All That, in a new Fox Entertainment Studios project. The pair will headline a holiday romantic comedy, bringing back their well-loved chemistry after a quarter-century apart, promising fans a nostalgic twist this festive season.
Long-Awaited Reunion Sparks Interest in Holiday Film
Romantic comedies have not dominated box offices as they once did, but the re-pairing of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook reignites excitement in the genre. While neither star is currently at the peak of Hollywood’s A-list, their combined history, particularly in She’s All That, gives this new project a strong hook. Both actors have remained active—Prinze Jr. returning to franchise films like the I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel and lending his voice to Star Wars Rebels, while Leigh Cook has maintained her presence in rom-coms, most recently with Netflix’s Love, Guaranteed.
Stepping Back Into the Rom-Com Spotlight With “The Christmas Affair”
The upcoming film, The Christmas Affair, features Prinze Jr. and Cook as sportscasters who start developing feelings for each other after both experience betrayal in their marriages. According to Deadline’s report, the familiar setup combines elements of romance and holiday spirit, promising fans laughter and heart. The She’s All That reunion aspect elevates the anticipation, with many hopeful that this movie will join the ranks of timeless holiday classics.
Past Attempts at a Reunion and Missed Opportunities
In 2021, Netflix released He’s All That, a gender-swapped reboot of the original film. Starring Addison Rae and Tanner Buchanan, the movie mirrored the core story but shifted the focus: Rae’s character transformed an unpopular male classmate, mimicking the plot points established decades earlier. Despite its lukewarm reception and widespread criticism, the project stood out for bringing Rachael Leigh Cook back as Rae’s on-screen mother. However, Freddie Prinze Jr. was notably absent, leaving fans without a true reunion between the original leads. Many viewers felt that even a brief cameo by both could have provided meaningful closure for longtime followers of the franchise.
“The Christmas Affair” Offers a Fresh Start for the Iconic Duo
The missed reunion in He’s All That makes The Christmas Affair a standout moment, as it finally brings Prinze Jr. and Leigh Cook together in leading roles once again. Their on-screen chemistry, proven over two decades ago, now provides nostalgic appeal and a new stage for them to showcase their talents as a team. The plot of The Christmas Affair, while forged from classic rom-com tropes, leans heavily on their dynamic, positioning the actors as the film’s main attraction and giving audiences another chance to see their partnership unfold in a modern setting.
She’s All That was defined by classic themes like transformation, romantic bets, and a gradual love story. In a similar vein, The Christmas Affair centers on two central characters who move from indifference to romance over the course of the movie, echoing the formula that made the original a success. The familiarity of this dynamic is intentional, as filmmakers aim to capitalize on the reputation and draw of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook, ensuring the reunion stays at the heart of the experience.
What This Reunion Means for Rom-Com Fans
The decision to cast these two beloved stars in a new rom-com isn’t just about nostalgia—it signals a possible resurgence of the romantic comedy genre, anchored by actors who have already proven their appeal together. As the film industry seeks fresh approaches to bring in audiences, The Christmas Affair may serve as a reminder that classic chemistry and heartfelt stories remain as relevant as ever. If successful, this partnership could spark renewed interest in both the actors and the genre, introducing their talent to new viewers and reminding longtime fans why they loved She’s All That in the first place.
With Freddie Prinze Jr. reuniting with Rachael Leigh Cook under the Fox Entertainment Studios banner, The Christmas Affair stands poised to deliver both holiday spirit and a much-anticipated reunion, making it a highlight of the upcoming movie season for rom-com enthusiasts.
