In mid-December of 1994, the Farrelly brothers achieved a cinematic milestone with their debut feature, Dumb and Dumber. Fast forward to the present, and their first feature film team-up in a decade, Dear Santa, arrives just three weeks before the 30th anniversary of this beloved buddy comedy. The Rhode Island-raised brothers, Peter and Bobby, have had a busy career since then. Peter won two Oscars as the co-writer and director of Green Book (2018), while Bobby directed the underrated Champions (2023) and produced/directed various other projects.

The Farrelly Brothers' Journey from Comedy Classics to a New Holiday Tale

Reunion and Coincidence

It's a delight to see the Farrelly brothers reunited for a feature film. Bobby Farrelly recalls, "This is a project we've been working on for a long time. We started [Dear Santa] 12 years ago while making other movies. Pete and Ricky Blitt wrote the script, and we finally got it right. I then directed it, and we produced it together. It just seemed like the perfect time for a joint production." Peter Farrelly adds, "It wasn't a sudden decision. We just connected. It was a complete coincidence that we reunited around the 30th anniversary of Dumb and Dumber. Maybe at the 40th anniversary, we'll do another sequel."

They've also been working together on a TV show called Loudermilk. Peter writes it, and Bobby directs it. They're even adapting There's Something About Mary into a Broadway musical, showing the diversity of their projects.

Writing and Collaboration

Peter Farrelly believes that there is a difference in their sensibilities when writing scripts. "As directors, we usually have a similar vision, but during the writing process, there are fights. You think, 'What if we had gone this way instead?' But it's also fun to see what each of us can do on our own. Pete went out and made Green Book on his own and won Oscars. It's been a great journey."

Bobby Farrelly agrees, "We worked together for 20 years, and it's good to see each other explore solo projects. But we always have each other's best interests at heart."

Script Development and Breakthrough

Ricky Blitt played a crucial role in the script development of Dear Santa. Peter Farrelly says, "Ricky Blitt is very talented. The idea came from Pete Jones and Kevin Barnett based on an initial idea by Dan Ewen. We tried different drafts, but it didn't work until Pete and Ricky got back to it and wrote this new draft. Jeremy Kramer was the studio exec who kept pushing us to get it right. Ricky's sensibility opened up new possibilities for the story."

Bobby Farrelly adds, "Sometimes, you need to step away from a project and come back to it with a fresh perspective. That's what happened with Dear Santa."

Casting and Perfect Matches

Jack Black was at the top of their list for the role of "Satan" in Dear Santa. Bobby Farrelly says, "He was the perfect guy, but we didn't know if he would respond. But once he read the script, he texted us back two hours later saying he was born to play the role. We also got lucky with Post Malone. They were the perfect people for the parts."

The chemistry between the cast members is evident in the film, adding to its charm.

Childhood Beliefs and the Film

Bobby Farrelly reflects on the character of Liam in Dear Santa. "We all hold onto wishes and beliefs a little too long. Liam is 11 and going through a tough time, but he holds onto his belief in Santa for his mom. That's an important ingredient in our stories. If the lead character is coming from a good place, we can get away with more comedy."

Robert Timothy Smith did a great job portraying Liam.

The State of Studio Comedies

Peter Farrelly discusses the current state of studio comedies. "It's a complicated question. There's so much comedy online now, and the genre's share in theaters has decreased. But if there are big comedy hits, the percentage will go up. R-rated comedies were once dead, but then they came back. I haven't given up on comedies. They'll come back."

Bobby Farrelly agrees, "People love to laugh, but kids' attention spans have changed. Comedy movies are more challenging, but a big hit will bring them back."

Theatrical Experience vs. Streaming

Peter Farrelly expresses his disappointment about the lack of comedy releases in theaters. "What bums me out is that we didn't have a backend on Dumb and Dumber or There's Something About Mary. But being on Paramount+ will expose Dear Santa to more people. It's still great to have that theatrical experience with 500 people, but streaming has its advantages too."

Bobby Farrelly emphasizes the contagious nature of laughter. "Laughter is infectious. When you're in a theater with others, you laugh together. It gives you permission to laugh."

Dear Santa is now streaming on Paramount+.