Getty Image/Lifetime
Christmas in the Spotlight, a film very obviously inspired by the relationship between pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, premiered on Lifetime over the weekend. The film is chock full of references to the couple and has since gone viral on social media.
Christmas in the Spotlight, directed by Michelle Ouellet, stars Jessica Lord as Bowyn, “a popular singer who develops an unexpected romance with Drew, a professional football player — as their feelings grow, they soon face mounting pressure from the press, the paparazzi, fans, and even their families.”
Viral clips posted to social media show numerous references to titles of Taylor Swift songs such as “The Alchemy,” “Wonderland,” “All Too Well,” “Mean,” and more, and the friendship bracelet giving trend that her fans do.
the tayvis movie LMAOOO they just fully leaned into it 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0LYD1h39lR
— andthatwastheworstpart (@suburbantaygend) November 25, 2024
The actor playing the de facto Kelce character is Laith Wallschleger, who actually went viral earlier this Fall for his performance as Rob Gronkowski on the much-maligned FX series American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez. According to Gronk, Wallschleger has been his on-set double for a number of years.
“It was definitely over the top,” Gronk said of Wallschleger’s performance while speaking with Kay Adams on Up & Adams back in October.
“You want to know a fun fact about that clip? That is my good friend, Laith, who is playing me. I’ve known him for about 14 years… He plays all my doubles in all my other commercials and everything else I do. He was my double in Kick of Destiny, actually… He’s a good friend.”
In addition to Lord and Wallschleger as “Swift” and “Kelce,” respectively, Christmas in the Spotlight also stars Jeannie Mai and Haley Kalil. Here is the official synopsis and trailer for the film, via Lifetime.
“Bowyn, a popular musician and celebrity, who despite always singing about love and relationships, hasn’t found Mr. Right yet. Her fame and busy recording schedule make it nearly impossible to date, but when she meets Drew, a pro football player, backstage at her show, there’s an undeniable spark between the two of them,” according to Lifetime.
“When Drew publicly declares he has a crush on Bowyn, they decide to give dating a shot, much to the excitement of her manager Mira. With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger… but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family. The pair has until the end of the holiday season to decide if they want to stay together, or let it go down in flames.”