Bears Team Up With Hallmark For Christmas Movie — And They’re Looking For Extras

CHICAGO — After a dramatic postseason run last year, it seems everyone is betting on the Bears — including Hallmark.

For their third collaborative Christmas special, the media network, NFL and Skydance Sports have decided to focus on the Chicago football team with “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.” The movie will release later this year as part of the Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual “Countdown to Christmas,” the Bears announced Thursday.

Production starts this summer and will film in and around the city, “showcasing iconic locations, beloved traditions and the passion that surrounds one of NFL’s most storied franchises,” according to the Bears.

Hallmark put out a casting call for extras to film in Chicago July 7-8 as “football fans,” according to a post by local casting agency 4 Star Casting. There will also be fitting dates June 29-30; please note that any extras will be required to wear Bears apparel and “winter attire” while filming in July. Learn more about how to apply here.

“After the tremendous success of our first two Holiday Touchdown movies, we knew we wanted to continue the tradition by partnering with another iconic NFL franchise and fanbase. The Chicago Bears have a rich history, passionate supporters, and a culture that extends far beyond the football field, making them a perfect fit for a heartwarming holiday story,” said Darren Abbott, president and chief brand officer of Hallmark Media.

The Christmas movie series kicked off in 2024 with the Kansas City Chiefs with a cast including actors Hunter King, Tyler Hynes and Ed Begley, Jr. It also featured cameos from Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, alongside past Chiefs greats.

Last year’s special featured the Buffalo Bills and starred actors Holland Roden, Matthew Daddario and Joe Pantoliano, with cameos from coaches, players and even a TV personality and long-time fan. The third movie’s cast will be revealed at a later date, according to the Bears.

Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland posted a video on social media sharing the news on Thursday.

“As we continually look for ways to further the connection with our passionate Chicago Bears fans and amplify our global brand in creative ways, we will provide our club and our fans with the opportunity to grow together by creating a special, meaningful movie,” Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Bears, said in the announcement.

As part of Thursday’s announcement, Jessica Matthews, senior vice president of film and TV at Skydance Sports, added that few “fan bases carry their team’s history the way Chicago carries the Bears, a devotion that has been passed down from generation to generation.”

Time might’ve also been running out to center Chicago in any new NFL-Hallmark Christmas mash-up: The team said this month that it was moving ahead on plans for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, almost an hour south of where much of the latest “Holiday Touchdown” will no doubt be set.