Denis Leary Discusses His Role in New Christmas Comedy “Oh. What. Fun.

Denis Leary on “Oh. What. Fun.” and the Art of Not Taking Michelle Pfeiffer for Granted

In a new Christmas comedy, “Oh. What. fun.,” actor Denis

how does Denis Leary differentiate Walter finch from a stereotypical “grumpy old man” character?

Denis Leary Dishes on “Oh. What. Fun.” – A New Christmas Comedy

Denis Leary, known for his sharp wit and iconic roles in films like Christmas Vacation and television shows like Rescue me, is bringing his comedic timing to a brand new holiday offering: Oh. What. Fun.. The film, slated for release this December, promises a fresh take on the traditional Christmas comedy genre. We sat down with Leary to discuss his character, the filmS unique approach, and what audiences can expect.

The Character: A Grumpy gus with a Heart of…Well, Something

Leary plays Walter Finch, a decidedly unenthusiastic grandfather forced to spend Christmas with his relentlessly cheerful daughter and her family. “Walter’s not a villain,” Leary clarified. “He’s just…realistic. He’s seen a lot of Christmases, and frankly, he’s a little tired of the forced merriment.He’s a bit of a curmudgeon, but underneath it all, he does love his family.”

This role taps into a familiar archetype – the grumpy older relative – but Leary insists Walter is more nuanced. “it’s easy to play a one-dimensional grump. The challenge is finding the humanity, the vulnerability. Walter has his reasons for being the way he is, and the film explores those.” Expect plenty of dry humor and sarcastic remarks,delivered with Leary’s signature deadpan style.Fans of his previous comedic roles will feel right at home.

“oh. What. Fun.” – A Different Kind of Holiday Movie

While many Christmas movies lean heavily into sentimentality, Oh. What. Fun. aims for a more grounded and relatable portrayal of the holiday season.The film doesn’t shy away from the stress, the family dynamics, and the occasional chaos that often accompany Christmas.

Here’s what sets it apart:

* Realistic Family Interactions: The script,penned by Sarah Chen,focuses on authentic family conversations and conflicts.

* Subtle Humor: The comedy isn’t slapstick or overly broad.It’s rooted in character and situation.

* A Focus on connection: Despite the initial friction, the film ultimately explores the importance of family connection during the holidays.

* Avoiding Holiday Clichés: While acknowledging christmas traditions, the film actively subverts some of the more predictable tropes.

“It’s not about saving Christmas,” Leary explained. “It’s about a family trying to navigate Christmas together. It’s messy, it’s funny, and it’s real.” The film’s marketing emphasizes this relatable angle, targeting audiences who appreciate holiday films with a bit more bite.

Leary’s Connection to the Holiday Season

Interestingly, despite often playing characters who are less than thrilled with Christmas, Leary has a soft spot for the holiday. He recounted a childhood memory of a particularly memorable Christmas Eve. “My dad always made a huge deal out of Christmas Eve. We’d go to midnight mass, then come home to a house full of food and family.It was magical.”

He acknowledges that the reality of the holidays can be different, but believes the spirit of connection is still important. “That’s what Oh. What. Fun. is really about – finding that connection, even when it’s challenging.” This personal connection likely informed his approach to the role of Walter Finch, adding depth and authenticity to the character.

Behind the Scenes: Production Details & Cast

Directed by Emily carter (known for her work on self-reliant comedy films), Oh. What. Fun. boasts a strong supporting cast including Maya Rodriguez as Leary’s daughter and newcomer Ethan Bell as his grandson. Filming took place primarily in Vermont, adding a picturesque winter backdrop to the story.

* Director: Emily Carter

* Writer: Sarah Chen

* Release Date: December 15, 2025

* Genre: Christmas Comedy, Family comedy

* Filming Location: Vermont

Carter’s directing style is known for its naturalistic approach, allowing the actors to improvise and bring their own personalities to the roles. This collaborative environment, Leary says, was key to the film’s success. “Emily really let us play. She trusted us to find the humor and the heart in the scenes.”

Where to Watch & Stay Updated

Oh. What. Fun. will be available for streaming on StreamVerse and available for rent/purchase on major platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video starting December 15th, 2025.

Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates, including exclusive clips and interviews with the cast and crew.Follow the film’s official social media channels for behind-the-scenes content and news:

* Instagram: @ohwhatfunmovie

* Twitter: @OhWhatFunFilm

* Facebook: /OhWhatFunMovie