Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company have partnered with “The Chosen” creator Dallas Jenkins to adapt Barbara Robinson’s classic book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” into a feature film targeting theaters in 2024.
Jenkins pursued the rights for 15 years and will direct the holiday comedy about the troublemaking Herdman kids who take over their local church’s Christmas pageant, unexpectedly teaching the community the meaning of Christmas.
The film will begin production next month in Canada for a 2024 holiday season theatrical release. It continues the collaboration between Lionsgate and Kingdom following the success of “Jesus Revolution” earlier this year.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a beloved story that will introduce the Herdmans to a new generation. Adapting such an iconic book comes with challenges in retaining the original spirit while translating it cinematically.
But Jenkins has a strong track record with faith-based and family films, which suggests he can bring this story to life for modern audiences. Fans can look forward to seeing how he adapts the book and play into a feature film that will hopefully become a new holiday tradition when it debuts in theaters next Christmas.
