The Merry Gentlemen (2024) Cast Revealed: Where 'One Tree Hill' Meets 'Magic Mike' For A Netflix Christmas
The Merry Gentlemen, the Christmas romantic comedy that has been dubbed the "Magic Mike of Netflix holiday movies," premiered on November 20, 2024, immediately capturing the attention of viewers looking for a festive film with a slightly spicier twist. As of today, December 21, 2025, this film stands out in the crowded holiday streaming lineup, largely due to its intriguing premise and the star power of its lead actors.
The movie follows a former big-city dancer who returns home for the holidays and must save her family's struggling performing arts venue by staging an all-male, Christmas-themed dance show. This unique concept, blending classic small-town romance with a touch of theatrical burlesque, has led to a major buzz, prompting fans to delve deeper into the full ensemble cast, which features a blend of beloved TV veterans and rising stars.
Meet the Gentlemen and the Dancer: Full Cast & Character Guide
The ensemble cast of The Merry Gentlemen is anchored by two familiar faces from popular TV dramas, ensuring a strong draw for fans of early 2000s and 2010s television. Their presence provides a nostalgic yet fresh feel to this modern holiday tale.
- Britt Robertson as Ashley
The Role: Ashley is a former professional dancer who returns to her small hometown after her big-city career stalls. She is the driving force behind the "Merry Gentlemen" show, using her choreography skills to save her parents' venue, The Rhythm Room.
Biography & Recent Projects: Robertson is best known for her roles in *Tomorrowland*, *The Longest Ride*, and TV series like *Life Unexpected* and *Secret Circle*. Her recent work includes the 2023 movie *The Re-Education of Molly Singer* and the upcoming 2025 film *The Letter*, cementing her status as a versatile actress who smoothly transitions between drama, sci-fi, and now, holiday rom-com.
- Chad Michael Murray as Luke
The Role: Luke is the charming, small-town love interest and a key member of the newly formed all-male dance troupe. His character provides the romantic tension and a challenge to Ashley's big-city sensibilities.
Biography & Recent Projects: Murray is an icon of the genre, famous for playing Lucas Scott in *One Tree Hill* and starring in films like *A Cinderella Story*. In 2024, he also starred in the Netflix rom-com *Mother of the Bride*, which hit the Top 10 most-watched list, and he continues his role in the TV series *Sullivan's Crossing*. His consistent presence in 2024 Netflix hits, including *The Merry Gentlemen*, has solidified his return to the romantic lead spotlight.
- Marla Sokoloff as Marie
The Role: Marie is a supporting character whose role is integral to the story. Sokoloff is also credited as a screenwriter for the film, making her a crucial creative force both in front of and behind the camera.
Biography & Recent Projects: Sokoloff is widely recognized for playing Lucy Hatcher on *The Practice* and Gia Mahan on *Full House* and *Fuller House*. Her involvement as a writer on *The Merry Gentlemen* highlights a new dimension to her career, moving beyond her established acting roles.
- Beth Broderick as Lily
The Role: Lily is likely one of Ashley's parents or a key figure in the small-town community, perhaps the co-owner of The Rhythm Room. Broderick brings a veteran presence to the cast.
Biography & Recent Projects: Broderick is a veteran actress beloved by many for her role as Zelda Spellman in the original *Sabrina the Teenage Witch* series. Her casting adds a layer of comforting familiarity for viewers.
- Michael Gross as Stan
The Role: Stan is another supporting role, possibly the male co-owner of The Rhythm Room or a prominent town figure.
Biography & Recent Projects: Gross is best known for his long-running role as Steven Keaton on the classic sitcom *Family Ties*. His participation alongside Beth Broderick adds a nostalgic touch of 80s and 90s television royalty to the film.
The Plot Twist: When Christmas Rom-Com Meets 'Magic Mike'
The most compelling and talked-about element of The Merry Gentlemen is its central premise: a small-town Christmas movie built around an all-male dance review. This concept immediately drew comparisons to the blockbuster film *Magic Mike*, but the execution is distinctly tailored for the holiday genre.
The film is rated PG, a far cry from the R-rated content of *Magic Mike*. This rating is key, as it positions the movie as a "spicy" holiday offering—one that pushes the boundaries of the traditionally chaste Christmas rom-com without crossing into overly risqué territory.
The core conflict centers on Ashley’s struggle to stage the show, convincing the local men—including the reluctant but charming Luke—to embrace the dance routine. The marketing and early reviews heavily leaned into this suggestive comparison, with some critics even calling it a "poorly produced 'Magic Mike' ripoff," while others acknowledged its conceptual appeal as a refreshing change from typical holiday fare.
The film cleverly uses the dance numbers as a vehicle for the characters’ emotional growth and the inevitable romantic sparks between Ashley and Luke, ensuring that while the premise is suggestive, the heart of the movie remains a classic romantic comedy about community and second chances.
Behind the Scenes: Director, Screenwriter, and Production Buzz
The creative team behind The Merry Gentlemen features experienced hands in the made-for-TV movie space, notably director Peter Sullivan and the multi-talented Marla Sokoloff.
Peter Sullivan, The Director: Sullivan is a prolific director known for his work in the television film space, particularly in the holiday genre. His experience ensures the film delivers on the expected emotional beats and festive atmosphere required of a Netflix Christmas movie. His direction is central to balancing the film's "naughty and nice" blend of a wholesome setting with a suggestive plot.
Marla Sokoloff, The Screenwriter: The involvement of a cast member, Marla Sokoloff, in the screenplay is a unique detail. She is credited for the screenplay, having also contributed to the story alongside Jeffrey Schenck. This dual role likely gave her a deep understanding of the characters and the tone, allowing the script to be crafted with an actor’s sensibility.
The film's reception, while mixed, confirms its place as a "serviceable entertainment" that successfully tapped into a niche demand for holiday movies with a bit more edge. Its success is a testament to the power of a strong, slightly provocative concept—the "Magic Mike" comparison—and the draw of nostalgic casting, a formula Netflix has mastered for its seasonal content.
The Merry Gentlemen is more than just a fleeting holiday watch; it represents a subtle shift in the Christmas rom-com genre, proving that audiences are ready for stories that incorporate a touch of modern theatricality and a little bit of heat alongside their hot cocoa. The combination of Britt Robertson’s star power and Chad Michael Murray’s charming return to the genre makes this 2024 film a noteworthy addition to any holiday binge-watching list.
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