Chloë Grace Moretz Was Thrilled to Play a “Cool, Gay Character” In Amazon’s ‘Oh What Fun’ Christmas Movie

Chloë Grace Moretz was more than happy to bring a little queer representation to Oh. What. Fun., the new Michelle Pfeiffer-led Christmas movie that began streaming on Amazon Prime Video today.

“There’s only one other Christmas movie I can think of that has a lesbian character in it, which is Kristen Stewart’s movie,” Moretz told Decider in a recent zoom interview, referring to the 2020 Hulu movie Happiest Season. “What a cool thing, to be able to do that, and have that character be in this story.”

Directed by Michael Showalter, with a screenplay written by Showalter and Chandler Baker, Oh. What. Fun. is a family comedy about the overworked, under-praised heroes of the holiday season: moms. Michelle Pfeiffer stars as the matriarch of the Clauster family, who hosts Christmas for her adult children and their kids. Despite Mom’s less-than-subtle hints at what she wants for the occasion, her kids fail to deliver. Again.

Moretz plays the middle child, Taylor, whose commitment issues have her bringing home a new woman every year. (This year that honor belongs to Donna, played by Devery Jacobs). Dominic Sessa—who earned critical acclaim as the lead in another holiday flick, 2023’s The Holdovers—plays the youngest child, Sammy, who’s nursing a broken heart.

Decider spoke to Moretz and Sessa about the movie, their characters, and the sad Christmas song performed by Sessa that ended up on the official soundtrack.

I read that director Michael Showalter asked the cast for character ideas. I’m curious what both of you brought to Taylor and Sammy that maybe wasn’t in the original script?

CHLOË GRACE MORETZ: I think originally Taylor was a bit older. It was just a different kind of vibe. Then I read the script, and I really loved it. Michael was like, “That’s actually a cooler version of that.” I was just excited to play a cool, gay character and be able to do that. There’s only one other Christmas movie I can think of that has a lesbian character in it, which is Kristen Stewart’s movie, [Happiest Season]. What a cool thing, to be able to do that, and have that character be in this story. It’s a great ensemble.

DOMINIC SESSA: I had auditioned for the movie—just sent in a self-tape audition. I hadn’t met with Michael until a couple weeks before we started shooting, and had a zoom call with him. I remember him telling me that he thought Sammy was like a cool person, down to earth. He was actually a cool guy. That wasn’t my idea, but it was something that he said that definitely influenced the way I went about the character and allowed me to access him more. You always want to root for the people that you’re embodying. It was a way for me like Sammy.

Chloë, I was so bummed that Taylor and Donna didn’t get back together in the end. I wonder how you felt about that?

CGM: Honestly, I kind of wish they had gotten back together! But I think Taylor has some childhood trauma, or something, to work through, that she has such a fear of commitment. My dream was to have [Taylor] walk back in with Donna, and not have to be a new girl. But, you know what? I think she’ll get there one day. She’s going to figure it out. I think she has to do some self-love to get there.

Dominic, I loved your rendition of “12 Days of Christmas.” Can you tell me about learning that and performing it?

DS: Yeah! I’m on the soundtrack now, guys, by the way.

CGM: Stop it! [Laughs.]

DS: Yeah. Oh, yeah. We’re real music artists, now. In the script, it was like “Sammy sings a sad Christmas song.” We talked about just trying to find the most upbeat songs. “12 Days of Christmas” is obviously very happy and upbeat, and then turning that into the saddest possible version of itself. They had me in guitar lessons, and I was learning to play some chords and stuff. And then [I] just created—birthed this child of a sad Christmas song in my brain. And that’s how it came.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (At least, that’s what Andy Williams promised.) The holidays are a time to celebrate with family, friends, food, and, let’s not forget, fun things to watch. Whether you’re huddled up with the whole family in your living room or cozying up under the covers with your tablet, let Decider be your guide to all things festive this holiday season.