Developing anything in Hollywood can get complicated, especially when fed different information to adapt a film franchise into a streaming TV series. Disney had seemingly tricked Tim Allen and Jack Burditt into doing the Disney+ series, The Santa Clauses, which sees the Toy Story star reprise his role as Scott Calvin as he retires as St. Nick. This was at least what Burditt, the creator of the show, suspected in an interview with Deadline.
In May 2020, Disney had plans to make a Santa Clause series with Tim Allen and Jack Burditt. They had worked together in 2011 on Last Man Standing, which Burditt had to exit due to a family member’s death during the debut season and never returned. He was not sure how that would affect his relationship with the star, but it all seemed okay as he was told the actor was on board. The other way around was relayed to the Home Improvement actor. It was not the case as they were told different things by the company.
Jack Burditt suspects Disney tricked him and Tim Allen into The Santa Clauses
When it was all said and done, production moved forward, and now we have The Santa Clauses with Tim Allen back for the Disney series. At 65 years old, he is ready to retire and find a replacement to spread joy by delivering presents to households around the world. He is joined by Ashlan Rowan (Best Foot Forward), Rupali Redd (Bite Size Halloween), Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), and Kal Penn (Smile).
Burditt acts as a showrunner, one of the writers, and an executive producer with the leading actor. Katie O’Brian, Shawn Wilt, Jon Radler, Jason Winer, Richard Baker, Kevin Hench, and Rich Messina also executive produce.
Due to the exit of Jack Burditt when he and Tim Allen were set to work together on Last Man Standing, the Disney series made for a reunion. He called the actor “fun” when working with him on the Christmas series, as he “makes a lot of jokes.” He did note with a laugh to follow up that the actor does get “crankier” as the day goes on due to the makeup and fat suit.
The six-episode series premiered today on Disney+.
