Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville unrecognisable in new film with Danny Dyer

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville looks unrecognisable in a new Christmas film that also features Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria and Danny Dyer. They are among the cast of Christmas Karma, which is due to be released later this year.

Directed by Gurinder Chadha, whose work includes Bend It Like Beckham (2002), the film is a musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Kunal, known for his role as Raj Koothrappali on the Big Bang Theory, leads the cast as Mr. Sood, described as the "modern-day Scrooge".

He's followed on a "magical journey" with three Ghosts of Christmas, played by Eva, Billy Porter and Boy George. They are said to "help him to confront his demons and discover that kindness is the real meaning" of the festive season.

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Hugh takes on the role held by Jacob Marley in Dickens' book, with the character having visited Ebenezer Scrooge as a ghost before the spirits. In the trailer, released yesterday, Hugh, who appears grey and in chains, tells Mr. Sood: "Three spirits will come to you tonight."

The trailer then shows Mr. Sood being visited by the spirits, including the Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Eva. Viewers are then shown flashbacks from Mr. Sood's life, before Billy's character, said to be the Ghost of Christmas Future, later says: "Change yourself for the better."

EastEnders star Danny also features in the trailer as a taxi driver, who suggests that Mr. Sood should be called Scrooge. The cast of film also includes Pixie Lott, Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran and Vikings: Valhalla star Leo Suter.

It's teased that Christmas Karma celebrates "modern-day London and all of its communities and cultures". The upcoming festive film is said to explore themes of prejudice, acceptance, reconciliation, identity and belonging.

The film is said to feature an "eclectic" soundtrack influenced by various genres. It's been revealed that it features music from the likes of Take That member Gary Barlow, musician Nitin Sawhney and All Saints' Shaznay Lewis.

It marks the latest film by director Gurinder, who is also credited as a writer and producer on it. Her previous work includes Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008) and Blinded by the Light (2019).

Some fans have shared excitement over the new film following the release of its trailer. One fan wrote on YouTube: "Can't wait - a great Xmas time this year." Another said that they are "really excited," whilst a third said: "Come on Nov.14th. Can't wait. This will be a blast."

Christmas Karma will be released in cinemas on November 14.

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