Hallmark stars share how Trav & Taylor influenced the Chiefs movie

The Kansas City Chiefs made headlines on and off the field last season. While the Chiefs won two consecutive Super Bowls, tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s romance took the world by storm.

Last month, the Hallmark Channel announced production of the film. Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Storystarring Hunter King and Tyler Hynes. The Christmas film, whose production has already begun in Kansas City, Missouri, is not based on the relationship between Kelce and Swift.

However, in an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports at the 2024 ESPYs, Hynes attributed the film’s quick creation to the famous couple’s immense popularity, as well as the viral success of the postseason commercial “Falling for Football,” in which he also starred.

“The whole thing happened pretty quickly,” said Hynes, 38. “Because of that sudden spark that was ignited with the postseason commercial we shot last season. And from that moment on, the conversations really started to get going. And here we are.”

At the same time, Kelce and Swift seem to be living out a romantic comedy in real life. “We love them. Their love story has obviously sparked a huge reaction from a variety of fan bases around the world,” Hynes continued. “I think it’s just the perfect timing for all of the above. Hallmark is what it is, the Chiefs are who they are, Trav and Taylor are so in love. We’re all here for it.”

As for the viral response to the film’s announcement, “I knew it was going to be a hit,” said King, 30. “But just seeing the excitement and how excited people were to share the news really touched us.”

Hunter King and Tyler Hynes hinted that more Chiefs cameos will be announced soon

Hynes and King were very tight-lipped about the surprise appearances in Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love StoryDirected by John Putch, the film also stars Ed Begley Jr., Christine Ebersol, Megyn Price and Richard Riehle, and features Today Show host Jenna Bush Hager making her first acting appearance.

Many Chiefs players will make cameo appearances, but “there are a few others that haven’t been announced yet,” King revealed. “There are some nice new players coming that we’re excited about.”

The Chiefs have already announced that head coach Andy Reid, right guard Trey Smith, wide receiver Mecole Hardman, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and defensive end George Karlaftis will be in action.

Hallmark Channel announced on July 13 that Donna Kelce, Kelce’s mother, will appear in the film. Although her son also had acting stints during the offseason, Ryan Murphy cast Kelce in his FX series “Grotesquerie.” However, it’s unclear if he or Swift will join Donna in the Hallmark film.

With such a diverse cast, “we’re seeing a lot of people coming together on both sides that you wouldn’t expect to be football fans or romance fans,” Hynes told Heavy Sports. “They’re coming out of their shells and expressing how excited they are to have something they can call their own and be part of something new.”

Earlier this month, Hynes shared a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the movie on Instagram. He captioned the post, “There were some absolutely lovely people who made every step of these journeys unforgettable. To the incredible people so far, thank you for every moment. To everyone whose reactions to these adventures made it a party 🙏🏻🤍😊. And to the new friends, here’s to you 🥃. Next one will be interesting :).”

The premise of “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story”

The Hallmark Channel shared the plot of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story in a press release dated 25 June:

In Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, Alana Higman (King) is convinced that her family, as lifelong Kansas City Chiefs superfans, are among the favorites for the team’s Fan of the Year contest. Director of Fan Engagement Derrick (Hynes) is called in to judge how Alana and her family compare to the other two finalists. As the two spend time together, it becomes clear that there is a spark between them, but when her grandfather’s (Begley Jr.) old winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate and destiny, even questioning her future with Derrick – unless a little Christmas magic can spark one last desperate moment for her.

The film, produced in partnership with the NFL and Skydance Media, does not yet have a premiere date but will air later this year as part of the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas.