Stars Hunter King, Tyler Hynes, and Others Share Their Excitement About Working with Donna Kelce in Hallmark’s Latest Movie
The Hallmark Channel is famously celebrated for its heartwarming holiday romance films. But what happens when they elevate their signature style by integrating the thrilling world of the Kansas City Chiefs? The answer comes to life in a delightful new collaboration that merges the festive spirit of Hallmark films with the passion of NFL fans, creating an exciting blend of romance and sports.
Introducing Vacation Landing: A Chiefs Love Story, a captivating film that unites the devoted fan bases of Hallmark Christmas enthusiasts and the fervent Chiefs Kingdom. The cast of Vacation Landing hopes to captivate not only traditional Hallmark audiences but also the Swifties, one of the largest and most passionate fandoms globally, drawn in not just by the story but also by Taylor Swift’s connection to Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ tight end.
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TooFab had the opportunity to chat with the talented cast members, including Hunter King, Tyler Hynes, Ed Begley Jr., Diedrich Bader, and Megyn Worth, during the film’s promotional junket. They enthusiastically shared their insights and experiences from working on this unique Hallmark holiday film, which represents a remarkable partnership between the Hallmark network, the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The storyline centers around Alana (played by King), a devoted Chiefs superfan who is determined to win the coveted “Fan of the Year” title for her family during the Christmas season. Throughout her journey, she unexpectedly finds romance with Derrick (Hynes), the Director of Fan Engagement for the Kansas City Chiefs, showcasing how love can blossom amidst the excitement of fan rivalry.
This enchanting film features several scenes shot at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium, further elevating its connection to the Chiefs. Additionally, it includes appearances by notable figures such as Jenna Bush Hager, Coach Andy Reid, several Chiefs players, and even Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, making it a must-watch for fans and families alike.
When asked about their expectations regarding how fans of Swift and Kelce will respond to Vacation Landing, both King and Hynes expressed their strong belief that audiences will absolutely adore the film, highlighting its universal appeal and relatable themes.
“They’ll [enjoy it],” Hynes, 38, remarked. “[Kelce’s] mother Donna’s in it. You know what I mean? When she’s there, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the whole production. She’s incredibly fun, adorable, and fantastic. Plus, she has some memorable scenes that really showcase her personality and charm.”
“She’s so incredibly charming in it,” King, 31, concurred, adding her insights on why she believes Swifties will resonate with the film’s themes and characters.
“I believe that we as a collective — and I say we because I’m a Swiftie — I think that the core values of Swifties align perfectly with the principles of Hallmark and the Chiefs. Taylor serves as a tremendous role model for everyone, regardless of age, prioritizing family and self-respect,” she elaborated. “The film embodies many of the wonderful qualities that she exemplifies, and I believe audiences will feel that connection through our storytelling.”
Megyn Worth echoed similar sentiments during her conversation with TooFab alongside her co-stars Bader and Begley Jr., emphasizing the film’s positive messages.
“I believe Taylor Swift’s entire message revolves around positivity, inclusion, and family values,” she stated. “Everything about her aligns perfectly with the vibe of our film.”
Ed Begley Jr. took a moment to share an interesting fact about his previous experience working alongside Swift when they collaborated on the film Amsterdam in 2022. He fondly recalled playing a game of Words with Friends with her during that time.
“She was an absolute joy to work with. In Amsterdam, she played my daughter, and I can tell you firsthand that she is not only incredibly talented but also a genuinely lovely person on set,” Begley Jr. reflected. “Her professionalism and immense talent are complemented by her kindness; she is truly one of the nicest individuals I’ve ever met in a production environment.”
“Ed is the only person on this panel who has played Words with Friends with Taylor Swift,” Worth shared, to which Begley Jr. added, “She’s fantastic at the game, as you would expect from someone of her caliber.”
Hallmark Channel
Meanwhile, the cast members also expressed their admiration for working with Donna Kelce on Vacation Landing, praising the mother of both Travis and Jason Kelce for her impressive acting skills. Donna made her acting debut in another Hallmark holiday film, Christmas On Call, which aired just last week, showcasing her versatility.
“She provided us with invaluable acting tips,” Hynes revealed. “Donna is incredibly experienced, especially considering this is her first film role. During our scenes together, I struggled to remember my lines at times, but she was nothing short of a professional. Watching her perform was amazing; she juggles so many responsibilities, including this movie, effortlessly.”
Echoing Hynes’ sentiments, King described Donna as “a natural talent.”
“Having been in this industry for a while, I often feel nervous during the first scenes of any project. You can practically hear my heartbeat on the mic due to my anxiety,” she admitted. “But Donna walked in exuding confidence. If she felt nervous, you would never know; she nailed every take effortlessly, proving her remarkable ability.”
Worth admitted that she was initially “apprehensive” about Donna, as she was unaware of her previous acting experiences.
“So I approached her and said, ‘Here’s the deal. There’s a mark where you need to stand. Just be relaxed.’ To my surprise, she confidently responded, ‘I’m not nervous!’” Worth recalled, with Begley Jr. adding, “She’s very camera-savvy and sound-savvy—she knows her craft inside and out.”
“She handled everything beautifully,” Bader remarked, while Worth concurred, “She required no guidance from us.”
“She didn’t need assistance from anyone,” Begley Jr. concluded, highlighting Donna’s exceptional talent.
Discover more from the talented cast of Vacation Landing in the videos above!
Vacation Landing: A Chiefs Love Story premieres on November 30 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
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