The Full Cast Of 'The Merry Gentlemen' (2024): Who Are The Dancers Baring It All On Netflix?
The Merry Gentlemen, Netflix's 2024 Christmas romantic comedy, has quickly become a viral sensation, captivating audiences with its festive spirit and a surprising, *Full Monty*-esque twist. Released on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the film centers on a former big-city dancer who returns to her small hometown to save her family's struggling performing arts venue by staging an all-male, Christmas-themed revue.
This deep-dive into the "cast of Merry Gentlemen" goes beyond the lead stars to reveal the full ensemble, the creative minds behind the story, and the actors who truly commit to the film's heartwarming and slightly risqué premise. From the veteran TV stars to the talented dancers, here is the complete breakdown of the cast and characters that brought the Rhythm Room back to life.
The Leading Cast: Profiles of Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray
The film is anchored by two beloved actors known for their work in iconic teen dramas and romantic roles. Their chemistry is central to the movie’s romantic comedy elements, driving the plot as their characters navigate small-town life and a high-stakes, holiday-themed dance show.
Britt Robertson as Ashley
Britt Robertson, who leads the film as Ashley, is a former big-city dancer and choreographer who returns home to the fictional town of Date, Alaska, to find her parents’ venue, The Rhythm Room, facing foreclosure.
- Full Name: Brittany Leanna Robertson-Floyd
- Born: April 18, 1990 (Age 34 as of late 2024)
- Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
- Key Roles: Casey Newton in Tomorrowland (2015), Sophia Danko in The Longest Ride (2015), Cassie Blake in The Secret Circle (2011–2012), and Marnie in The First Time (2012).
- Character Role: The determined protagonist who conceives and choreographs the "Merry Gentlemen" male revue to raise the necessary funds to save her family's legacy.
Chad Michael Murray as Luke
Chad Michael Murray plays Luke, a charming, small-town handyman who is initially hesitant about the idea of dancing but becomes a key member of the all-male troupe—and Ashley's love interest.
- Full Name: Chad Michael Murray
- Born: August 24, 1981 (Age 43 as of late 2024)
- Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, U.S.
- Key Roles: Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill (2003–2009, 2012), Tristan DuGray in Gilmore Girls (2000–2001), and Austin Ames in A Cinderella Story (2004).
- Character Role: The reluctant but ultimately dedicated lead dancer whose shirtless scenes and burgeoning romance with Ashley drive the film's central tension and holiday cheer.
The Full Lineup: The Actors Who Play The Merry Gentlemen Revue
The core of the film's premise is the all-male, Christmas-themed dance revue, a PG-rated take on the male stripper concept, which is designed to save The Rhythm Room. This troupe is comprised of a diverse group of small-town men, each bringing their own unique background to the stage.
Beyond Chad Michael Murray’s Luke, the ensemble of dancers is crucial to the film’s comedy and heart. These actors were tasked with performing the choreography and embodying the spirit of the unlikely performers.
- Hector David Jr. as Ricky: Known for his work as Mike, the Green Ranger, in Power Rangers Samurai, Hector David Jr. plays Ricky, a cab driver who joins the troupe.
- Colt Prattes: A professional dancer and actor, Prattes brings genuine dance experience to the ensemble. He is known for his role as Johnny in the TV movie remake of Dirty Dancing (2017).
- Marc Anthony Samuel: Samuel is best known to soap opera fans for his role as Felix Dubois on General Hospital. He is another key member of the dancing troupe.
- Maxwell Caulfield: A veteran actor with a long career, Caulfield adds a touch of seasoned charm to the ensemble. He is famous for roles in films like Grease 2 and the TV series The Colbys.
The commitment of these actors to the dance numbers—which are described as more *Full Monty* (a slow, dramatic reveal) than traditional stripping—is what makes the film a unique addition to the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe (NCCU).
Supporting Cast and The Creative Team Behind the Film
A Christmas movie’s success often relies on a strong supporting cast to provide the necessary familial and small-town dynamics. The Merry Gentlemen features several recognizable faces in these key roles, alongside a notable creative team.
Key Supporting Roles
The film's plot revolves around Ashley's parents and her best friend, who run the struggling venue, The Rhythm Room.
- Marla Sokoloff as Marie: Sokoloff not only stars as Marie, Ashley’s best friend and co-owner of The Rhythm Room, but she is also the film's credited screenwriter. This dual role provides a unique perspective on the film's narrative and tone.
- Beth Broderick as Lily: Broderick, best known as Aunt Zelda from the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch series, plays Lily, Ashley's mother.
- Michael Gross as Stan: Gross, famous for his role as Steven Keaton on Family Ties, plays Stan, Ashley’s father and Marie’s husband.
The Creative and Production Team
The film’s quick turnaround and familiar holiday movie aesthetic are the result of a seasoned team specializing in Christmas features.
- Director: Peter Sullivan (known for numerous Lifetime and Netflix holiday films).
- Screenplay: Marla Sokoloff.
- Story By: Peter Sullivan and Jeffrey Schenck.
- Producers: Barry Barnholtz and Brian Nolan.
- Filming Location: Despite the small-town, Alaska setting, the movie was primarily filmed in Santa Clarita, California, with principal photography taking place in May 2024. The iconic Golden Oak Ranch, an 890-acre movie ranch in Newhall, served as a primary location, providing the essential "hometown feels" for the fictional Date, Alaska.
The director, Peter Sullivan, has a reputation for crafting films that deliver on the festive promise, and the film’s 85-minute runtime ensures a brisk, feel-good pace.
Topical Authority: The 'Full Monty' Twist and Audience Reaction
The buzz around The Merry Gentlemen stems from its premise, which is a clear, festive riff on the 1997 British comedy classic, The Full Monty. The movie takes the core concept—a group of unemployed men deciding to become strippers to raise money—and gives it a PG, Christmas-themed spin.
The film’s success on Netflix, despite some mixed critical reviews, highlights the audience's appetite for new, slightly unconventional holiday content. Critics have described the film as "more forgettable festive filler" and noted its adherence to the strict formula of the genre, but the "PG-rated stripper troupe" hook successfully generated significant viewer interest. The interviews with Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray further cemented the film's place in the holiday conversation, as they discussed their on-screen chemistry and the joy of creating a "small-town magic" story.
Ultimately, the cast of The Merry Gentlemen—from the established leads of Robertson and Murray to the surprising inclusion of actors like Hector David Jr. and Maxwell Caulfield—delivers a unique holiday offering. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, all a Christmas movie needs is a little bit of festive cheer, a familiar face, and a group of guys willing to dance (mostly) with their shirts off to save the day.
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