Actor Tim Allen, an outspoken Christian and conservative, incorporated religious themes into his latest project. In “The Santa Clauses,” a six-episode series that began airing last week on Disney+, the comedian reprises his role as St. Nick. Although the series is based on Allen’s “The Santa Clause” film trilogy, it focuses more on the real reason for the holiday season.
Allen, 69, is facing pushback for the new series. After his character said, “Saying ‘Merry Christmas to all’ has suddenly become problematic,” social media lit up with comments. “Santa had the red hat all along and we just ignored it,” wrote one person, referencing Make America Great Again caps.
Tim Allen: Christmas ‘Literally Is a Religious Holiday’
In “The Santa Clauses,” Allen’s Scott Calvin (aka Santa Claus) character is set to retire and seeks a replacement. According to the synopsis, Calvin realizes “he’s starting to lose a step in his Santa duties, and more importantly, he’s got a family who could benefit from a life in the normal world.”
Two episodes aired last week, with the third set to air November 23. According to Allen, most of the religious elements appear in the final two episodes. “It’s really wonderful,” he says. “They took a chance, and we did it really well.”
Although Allen hasn’t revealed plot specifics, he says, “We don’t have to blow trumpets, but I do want you to acknowledge [Christmas]. That’s what this is about. If you want to get into Santa Claus, you’re gonna have to go back to history, and it’s all about religion.” The actor, who also serves as executive producer, says the Disney+ series “originally had a lot of otherworldly characters, and ghosts, and goblins. I said no, this is Christ-mas. It’s Christ-mas. It literally is a religious holiday.”
Being Conservative in Hollywood Is Tough, Says Tim Allen
It’s been 16 years since Tim Allen’s movie “The Santa Clause 3.” Other career highlights include starring roles in the sitcoms “Home Improvement” and “Last Man Standing.”
Though he’s known for comedy, Allen’s life hasn’t always been a laughing matter. When he was 11, his father was killed by a drunk driver. Allen later struggled with alcoholism and addiction, and in 1978 he was arrested for cocaine possession. After pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges, he served more than two years in federal prison.
For years, Allen struggled with his faith, admitting he was “constantly a cynic,” even while attending church. Eventually, he desired a relationship with “whoever built me,” because that “didn’t happen by accident.” Now Allen refers to God as The Builder.
