Ben Stiller stars in Hulu family comedy ‘Nutcrackers’ as his first lead role in 7 years

Ben Stiller is back on our screens in “Nutcrackers” on Hulu, featuring him in his first leading role in seven years. In this family comedy, Ben finds himself in a surprising parental role after a family tragedy strikes, leading to some heartwarming and hilarious moments.

The film is directed by David Gordon Green, who is known for his work on suspenseful films like “The Exorcist: Believer” and the “Halloween” trilogy. However, with “Nutcrackers,” Green takes on a different tone, delivering his very first Christmas movie. According to Green, the movie was a refreshing change of pace, allowing him to explore a lighter and more lighthearted narrative that focuses on charm rather than fright.

“Nutcrackers” follows Ben’s character as he steps up to look after his mischievous nephews when their parents pass away. The real-life Janson brothers—Homer, Ulysses, Atlas, and Arlo—play Ben’s movie nephews, bringing authenticity and heart to their roles. The Janson brothers quickly bonded with Stiller on set, creating a warm and loving atmosphere during filming.

For Ben Stiller, this project was about returning to a more genuine and heartwarming style of comedy, reminiscent of classic family films from the ’80s and ’90s. The actor describes the experience as organic and genuine, emphasizing the importance of creating a film that is not cynical but rather heartwarming and relatable.

“Nutcrackers” is a new direction for both Ben Stiller and David Gordon Green, offering audiences a chance to see them explore a different genre and storytelling style. The film is set to start streaming on Hulu soon, promising viewers a mix of humor, heart, and holiday cheer.