As I watched Brewster’s Millions: Christmas, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration and respect for the talented cast and crew behind this delightful holiday offering. Richard Paul Kramer and Raven-Symoné brought a warmth and authenticity to their roles that resonated deeply with me as an audience member. Their performances were heartfelt, funny, and relatable, making the characters feel like old friends I was catching up with during the holidays.
Christmas is closer than you think and the perfect holiday film is arriving very soon as well! BET is bringing viewers a heartwarming Christmas movie that promises to be filled with laughter, love, and a touch of magic with BET+’s Brewster’s Millions: Christmas, starring China Anne McClain and Romeo Miller.
The movie revolves around Monica Brewster, a rich heiress on the brink of inheriting her uncle Monty Brewster’s great-grandfather’s wealth. Though this fortune appears to be handed to her, she discovers the essence of Christmas through understanding the power of giving rather than just receiving. The main characters are played by McClain as Monica Brewster, Miller as Andrew, Rain Pryor as Opal, Richard Pryor as Uncle Monty Brewster, Thelma Hopkins as Aunty Brewster, Tequan Richmond as Big Ty, and Sierra McClain as Tanya.
This Christmas version of Brewster’s Millions is brought to you by producers Matthew Nasser, Durey Shevar, Nicholas Nasser, Danial Nasser, with Patricia Cuffie-Jones and Joseph Nasser handling the screenplay. Jones directs, while McClain takes on the role of executive producer.
Given that the movie you’re working on now is a continuation of the 1985 film “Brewster’s Millions,” what attracted you to playing roles within this project, particularly these specific characters?
Rain Pryor: They inquired if I would take on the role! After reviewing the script, I thought, “This seems fitting for me. It looks promising.” The project felt genuine, and it was something I could proudly involve my daughter in and feel content about contributing to.
Richard Pryor Jr.: I stepped into the roles that my father had previously played, portraying the characters. It was an incredible sensation, a remarkable chance. Just standing there, I knew I was upholding his legacy. Rain and I discussed it; it felt like coming full circle as we took on these roles in Brewster’s Millions. My dad had been Brewster’s Millions. It was a fantastic feeling, and I seized the opportunity. At this stage of my life, I hold onto whatever I can and simply enjoy the ride.
In your portrayal of Opal, I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional scenes, particularly those between you and China, who played Morgan. Could you share some insights about what it was like working together on set and building that relationship?
When it comes to China, there’s an immediate sense of warmth and familiarity. From the moment I stepped into the makeup room, she welcomed me with open arms, beckoning me closer. As an actor, it’s all about dipping into your well of emotions and figuring out how to present an authentic performance. In this case, my goal is to authentically portray Opal alongside China, while avoiding fan-girl tendencies because I have admired her work in the Disney series that my daughter enjoys. Instead, I want to bring out the genuine Opal to collaborate with this generous and loving young talent like China.
In your words, you’ve pointed out that there’s a historical significance to the movie we’re discussing. I wanted to express gratitude for recognizing the limited Black representation in holiday movies in the past. While creating this film, what strategies did you consider to expand opportunities for Black actors in future holiday films?
RP: I think we have to just keep writing them, keep writing them, keep producing them, keep showing up, whether it’s independent, whether it’s through BET+ [or] Paramount. We need to keep writing our stories. Nobody’s going to write them for us. Nobody knows our stories. We know our stories.
In your narrative, you both play significant roles that are essential. Did you grow up with relatives who were similarly supportive and integral to your sense of security?
Wow, it seems that during our upbringing, we were primarily with Uncle Dicky, Aunt Maxine, Grandma, and my mother as our main companions.
RP: My grandparents on my other side. There are people that influence us, and we carry that legacy. We carry that ancestral DNA into the work that we do to show up, to be present and accounted for, and Brewster’s Millions: Christmas is a way for us to honor our dad’s legacy, but also to honor that which we are, the DNA of his life.
RPJ: Yes. It’s a beautiful feeling.
Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about holiday traditions from your childhood as you celebrate them now in adulthood? As I watch, I often think back to our family customs during festive seasons. Over time, some of these traditions may not be as prominent anymore. Are there any memories from your youth that have carried over into your celebrations as an adult?
In our youth, we resided in various parts of the nation. However, during holidays and summer seasons, we were invariably with our father. It was the three elder among us – Elizabeth, Rain, and myself – who usually spent those times with him.
As a gamer, reminiscing about our adventures, I can’t help but compare them to that unforgettable trip, be it to London, Paris, or even Hawaii. It was an extraordinary experience that still resonates today. Back in ’93, we gathered as adults at my father’s place, and I recall vividly going to the store and purchasing all his favorite foods, cooking up a storm for him. You see, he wasn’t fond of leftovers, so we made sure to prepare everything fresh. It had been a year since we had such a family gathering, and it was truly special.
RP: In a really long time, and it was very nice.
From now on, let’s move forward with that topic. For the past six years, we’ve been celebrating Christmas together.
Discussing family traditions and holiday films, I’m curious if they’ve caught up with them. Will we gather for a cozy movie night and enjoy watching the film together this season?
We’ll attend the opening event as a pair in Los Angeles. Our spouses and children will join us, making it an even more thrilling experience. I’m looking forward to hearing their reactions. It seems my daughter is particularly eager to catch a glimpse of China and Romeo.
RP: That’s what it’s like. This is a co-viewing experience. This is for the entire family—all generations to enjoy and to really get into that holiday spirit about giving.
I’d love to express my admiration for the director, Patricia Cullie-Jones. Was there a moment during filming when you felt, ‘She’s truly bringing the best out of us?’
In my case, she was supportive and allowed me the freedom to act based on what I thought was best for the character. She would offer suggestions afterwards, such as “Why don’t you try this?” or “Let’s see how this works.” Essentially, she provided chances for us to express ourselves genuinely without excessive control or micromanagement.
RP: Not at all. She really trusts her actors to show up and do the work.
So, if you understood your role and carried it out, she was fully supportive and agreed with the plan.
She wouldn’t typically express praise, but if you excelled, she would acknowledge it. If your performance wasn’t up to par, she’d offer another chance or discuss it with you. You eventually got into her rhythm. Working with such an accomplished director and writer as her was a privilege and a delight. Few Black female directors are in the industry, and she is certainly among the best, one of the greats.
I just wanted to point out that I really like the outfits you both are wearing – Rain in your green velvet blazer, and Richard with your red houndstooth jacket. Did you two coordinate these looks yourselves, or did someone help style you?
My spouse is the one who dresses me up. I rely on him, my husband Curtis, for my appearance as he has exceptional taste in clothing, so I follow his advice.
In a different wording: Tony Scott, a talented stylist with extensive experience in various shows, took care of my wardrobe. Camilla handled my hair and braided it for me. Additionally, Markeisha Wardell, who was our makeup artist on “Brewster’s Millions: Christmas,” added an extra dash of glamour to my look. I appreciate your attention to detail!
If someone hasn’t watched Brewster’s Millions yet (hopefully they have), what can they anticipate from this film?
RPJ: For me, it’s joy, happiness, and unity, and togetherness, and family, and love.
PP: Embracing various life experiences as they come your way, understanding that sometimes taking a detour can lead to a better path. It’s not always the case that what we initially thought we wanted is truly what we needed. In fact, the solution or opportunity we seek might lie in an unexpected direction. That’s often how life works, and it’s a truth worth remembering. Sometimes, the miracle is hidden around the corner.
Curious about what could be a future Christmas favorite? Take a look at the trailer now on the official YouTube channel of BET+: [YouTube link]
Brewster’s Millions: Christmas premieres on streaming service BET+ on Dec. 5
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2024-11-21 04:15