Rom-com king Richard Curtis is making his first Christmas movie since Love Actually… with a HUGE A-list cast

Richard Curtis is making his first Christmas movie since Love Actually and of course it's packed with A-list celebrities.

Set to hit Netflix later this year, the animated film tells a series of interwoven stories about love, loneliness, family and friends, while Santa Claus simultaneously tries to solve his own big problems.

Succession megastar Brian Cox will play Santa Claus, while Love Actually's Bill Nighy, Killing Eve's Fiona Shaw and former Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker will all take on leading roles.

It was also announced that Ed Sheeran has written a brand new song for the film, which he composed together with his older brother.

Richard Curtis is shooting his first Christmas movie since Love Actually and of course it is packed with A-list celebrities

Set to hit Netflix later this year, the animated film tells a series of interwoven stories about love, loneliness, family and friends as Santa tries to solve his own big problems.

Succession megastar Brian Cox will play Santa Claus, while Love Actually's Bill Nighy, Killing Eve's Fiona Shaw and former Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker will all take on leading roles.

Of the opportunity, the pop star said: “I was able to work on it with my older brother, which is a real rarity, and it's a gift to work so closely with my only sibling.”

“It was a nice feeling to create something that my children can watch with their uncle in the country where they live.”

“I think it's a shame there aren't more Christmas cartoons for kids, but this film is becoming a staple of the holidays, at least in our household.”

“I hope everyone likes it and enjoys the song. We had a lot of fun writing it.”

The 33-year-old even made a few references to the film and in particular the scene for which the song was written, describing it as “heartbreaking” but “real.”

'[it’s] as emotional, yet as heartwarmingly funny, as all of Richard Curtis' films. Since having kids, I've found there's a real lack of great animated Christmas movies for kids, so I thought this would be something really great to make and put out into the world.

“The scene we wrote this song for is so heartbreaking, but also so real for many people this Christmas as they spend Christmas without their loved ones for so many reasons.”

It was also revealed that Ed Sheeran has written a brand new song for the film, which he co-wrote with his older brother.

“That Christmas” was directed by Simon Otto, who also animated “How to Train Your Dragon,” and the film’s music was composed by John Powell.

The cartoon is based on a children's book series by Richard Curtis (pictured above)

Curtis was delighted that “the greatest British songwriter” had agreed to appear in the film, claiming the duo had been “friends for years”.

Curtis was delighted that “the greatest British songwriter” had agreed to take part in the film, claiming the duo had been “friends for years”.

“I’m so excited that Ed’s beautiful song is featured in our film.”

“The film is set in Suffolk… Ed lives in Suffolk, loves the town and completely understood the tone and tone of what we were trying to achieve.”

“We have been friends for many years and it is really nice that he – especially now that he is a husband and father – plays such an important role in this film about love, children and family.”

“And even if he wasn't a friend and didn't love Suffolk, it was of course wonderful to have a wonderful new song from one of the greatest British songwriters of all time.”

“That Christmas” was directed by Simon Otto, who also animated “How to Train Your Dragon,” and the music was composed by John Powell.