Jonathan Bennett and Brandon Routh Finally Play Brothers in New Hallmark Christmas Movie

Hallmark Channel is set to premiere “A Keller Christmas Vacation” on November 9, 2025. The film stars Jonathan Bennett and Brandon Routh as brothers. This project fulfills a dream the two actors have shared for over two decades.

The movie was developed and executive-produced by Bennett himself. It centers on a family’s chaotic holiday riverboat cruise on the Danube River.

Longtime Friends Capitalize on Their Striking Resemblance

Bennett and Routh first met in the early 2000s. They were both working on New York City soap operas at the time. Bennett told EntertainmentNow they immediately noticed their similar looks.

Their friendship grew when they both moved to Los Angeles around the same period. They supported each other as their careers began to take off. Bennett found fame in “Mean Girls” while Routh landed the lead in “Superman Returns.”

The public frequently confused the two actors for one another. Fans often approached Bennett, asking if he was Superman. Similarly, people thought Routh had a role in “Mean Girls.”

A Two-Decade Dream Realized Through Hallmark

The constant mix-ups sparked an idea. The pair decided they must play brothers in a project one day. It took nearly 25 years to find the perfect script for this collaboration.

Bennett specifically developed the new Hallmark movie with Routh in mind. He instructed screenwriter Tracy Andreen to write the older brother character for Routh. Bennett praised Routh’s enduring “it factor” and movie star quality.

The cast is rounded out by Eden Sher, who plays the siblings’ sister. Bennett highlighted Sher’s comedic talent from her time on “The Middle.” He said the pre-existing chemistry with Routh made filming their sibling dynamic effortless.

The long-awaited onscreen pairing of Jonathan Bennett and Brandon Routh brings a deeply personal project to life. “A Keller Christmas Vacation” promises to deliver holiday cheer built on a foundation of real-life friendship. This new Hallmark movie is a testament to a two-decade promise finally kept.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is “A Keller Christmas Vacation” about?

The movie follows the Keller family on a holiday riverboat cruise. Brothers played by Bennett and Routh are stuck with their parents and sister. The cruise leads to festive and comedic family chaos.

How did Jonathan Bennett and Brandon Routh meet?

They met over twenty years ago while acting in New York soap operas. Bennett was on “Days of Our Lives” and Routh was on “One Life to Live.” They became friends after realizing they looked very similar.

When does the movie premiere?

“A Keller Christmas Vacation” premieres November 9, 2025. It will air on Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The film will be available on Hallmark+ the following day.

Has Brandon Routh been in other Hallmark movies?

Yes, Brandon Routh has starred in Hallmark movies before. He is known for “The Nine Lives of Christmas” and its sequel, “The Nine Kittens of Christmas.” Both films were popular with audiences.

Who else stars in the film?

Eden Sher, known for her role in “The Middle,” plays the sister. The cast includes the actors portraying the brothers’ parents. The ensemble creates a classic family holiday movie dynamic.

Trusted Sources

EntertainmentNow