Spirited (2022): Cast, Plot, Release Date, Director and Where to Watch

Spirited is a 2022 Christmas comedy film that puts a musical and modern spin on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Directed by Sean Anders, the film stars Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Ryan Reynolds as Clint Briggs, a successful but morally questionable businessman targeted for redemption.

The story follows the traditional idea of a person being visited by spirits during the Christmas season, but Spirited turns the concept around by focusing on a man who proves much more difficult to reform than expected.

With comedy, fantasy, Christmas themes and large musical numbers, the movie offers a modern interpretation of one of the world’s best-known holiday stories. Apple TV describes it as a comedy and holiday film starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer. [oai_citation:3‡Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/na/movie/spirited/umc.cmc.3lp7wqowerzdbej98tveildi3?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Spirited (2022) at a Glance

Here are some of the key details about the film:

• Title: Spirited
• Release year: 2022
• Genre: Comedy, musical, fantasy and holiday
• Director: Sean Anders
• Writers: Sean Anders and John Morris
• Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
• Starring: Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer
• Runtime: Approximately 2 hours 7 minutes
• Distributor: Apple Original Films / Apple TV+

Spirited Plot

Every Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present participates in a supernatural tradition designed to help reform people who have lost their way.

This time, Present chooses Clint Briggs, a powerful and self-interested businessman whose actions have negatively affected the people around him. However, Clint is not an ordinary target.

Instead of simply accepting the supernatural intervention, Clint manages to turn the situation around and begins forcing the Ghost of Christmas Present to look at his own past, present and future.

The result is a humorous and unexpected variation on Dickens’ familiar Christmas story, combining the traditional redemption theme with modern comedy, romance, fantasy and musical performances.

Spirited Release Date

Spirited was released in 2022, with its U.S. theatrical release taking place on November 11 before its wider streaming release on Apple TV+. Current Apple TV information lists the film as a 2022 release, while release databases distinguish between its limited theatrical and streaming release dates. [oai_citation:4‡Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/na/movie/spirited/umc.cmc.3lp7wqowerzdbej98tveildi3?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Who Directed Spirited?

Spirited was directed by Sean Anders, who also co-wrote the screenplay with John Morris.

Apple TV’s official listing identifies Sean Anders as the director of the film. [oai_citation:5‡Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/na/movie/spirited/umc.cmc.3lp7wqowerzdbej98tveildi3?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Who Wrote Spirited?

The screenplay was written by Sean Anders and John Morris, with the story drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Current production information also credits Charles Dickens as the source material. [oai_citation:6‡IMDb Pro](https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt10999120/boxoffice?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Spirited Cast

The movie features a major cast led by Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, with Octavia Spencer also playing a central role.

• Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present
• Ryan Reynolds as Clint Briggs
• Octavia Spencer as Kimberly
• Patrick Page as Jacob Marley
• Sunita Mani as Past
• Marlow Barkley as Wren / Young Carrie
• Andrea Anders as Carrie
• Joe Tippett as Owen
• Jen Tullock as Wendy

Apple TV’s current cast listing confirms Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer among the principal cast, alongside several supporting performers. [oai_citation:7‡Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/spirited/umc.cmc.3lp7wqowerzdbej98tveildi3?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Who Produced Spirited?

The film was produced by a team that includes Sean Anders, George Dewey, Jessica Elbaum and Will Ferrell, among others. [oai_citation:8‡IMDb Pro](https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt10999120/boxoffice?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

What Is Spirited Based On?

Spirited is based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, one of the most enduring Christmas stories in literature.

However, the movie does not simply reproduce Dickens’ original story. Instead, it uses the familiar concept of Scrooge’s supernatural redemption as the foundation for a new comedy featuring modern characters and a different perspective on the ghosts.

Where Can You Watch Spirited?

Spirited is an Apple Original film and is available through Apple TV, subject to availability in your region and the applicable subscription or viewing terms.

Apple’s official listing currently identifies Spirited as a 2022 Apple TV movie with a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. [oai_citation:9‡Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/na/movie/spirited/umc.cmc.3lp7wqowerzdbej98tveildi3?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

OFFICIAL TRAILER: SPIRITED

What Makes Spirited Different?

One of the film’s biggest selling points is the way it combines a familiar Christmas story with modern comedy and musical entertainment.

Rather than simply presenting another version of Ebenezer Scrooge’s story, the film places the Ghost of Christmas Present at the centre of the story and gives the traditional redemption concept a new direction.

The combination of Will Ferrell’s comedic style, Ryan Reynolds’ character and the musical elements gives the film a distinctly modern holiday feel.

Is Spirited Worth Watching?

If you enjoy Christmas movies that combine comedy, fantasy and music, Spirited may be worth adding to your holiday watchlist.

It is particularly suited to viewers who enjoy modern adaptations of classic stories and the comedic performances of Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds.

Rather than presenting itself as a traditional adaptation of A Christmas Carol, the movie takes the basic concept and builds a new story around it.

Final Thoughts

Spirited offers a modern, musical and comedic interpretation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With Sean Anders behind the camera and Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer leading the cast, the film brings a contemporary approach to the familiar Christmas redemption story. [oai_citation:10‡Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/na/movie/spirited/umc.cmc.3lp7wqowerzdbej98tveildi3?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Whether you are looking for a Christmas comedy, a musical movie or a fresh take on a classic story, Spirited provides a combination of all three.

Have You Watched Spirited?

What do you think about Spirited? Did you enjoy the modern approach to the classic Christmas story? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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