Hollywood Couple Returns to Their Roots in This GAF Christmas Movie
By Movieguide® Contributor
For the first time, husband-and-wife duo Mario and Courtney Lopez share the screen, along with their son, and they’re so excited about the project.
The family appears in Great American Pure Flix’s new movie ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS WISH. The synopsis reads:
Mayor Brian Ortega (Mario Lopez) is beloved in the idyllic community of Long Grove. While decorating for Christmas with the residents, Brian discovers his childhood Christmas wish list which magically begins to come true, reminding Brian about the spirit and joy of the holiday. Returning to town for Christmas is Brian’s childhood friend Nina Meyers (Courtney Lopez), and soon a connection becomes undeniable as she helps Brian face a new challenge for the town. As Brian’s wishes come true, he inspires the town to showcase its warm culture and values in order to stop the modern world from stifling the charm and heart of Long Grove.
“Their real-life son, Dominic Lopez, also plays a role in this movie as a young budding journalist at the local elementary school, Joey Delucca. Joey interviews the town’s mayor, which leads Brian to find his fourth grade Christmas list,” Great American Pure Flix said.
Mario was thrilled for his family to join him on screen.
“I really wanted my family to be involved in my first film for Great American Family,” he explained. “So, my wife, who’s wildly talented, sings, dances, acts [in this film] beautifully [as well as] my son, Dominic, who also sings, dances and acts. I was honored to have them be in the film with me. This is a very special project, and it’s come together great. And I’m very proud of them.”
“We’re no strangers working together,” he added. Mario and Courtney met while performing in a Broadway show. “But in this element, where we’re acting opposite each other and we have a journey where we fall in love, it’s a lot of fun and romantic.”
The movie sees them return to their Broadway roots. A clip posted to Instagram showcases the couple’s dance skills.
“Having been with him for 16 years now and just now having the opportunity to do something like this with him again and share the stage with him, with cameras, it’s a little different, but it is very, very special,” Courtney added. “Our kids never saw us [on Broadway] obviously before they were born, so they didn’t get to see that side of us, and now they get to at least experience a little bit of our love and how we connected behind the cameras.”
Family and faith are a priority for the Lopezes.
“Our family has a very strong faith foundation, and we believe that that’s something so important to have from the minute you wake up to the minute you go to sleep…” Courtney continued. “I never take for granted everything that God has blessed us with, is blessing us with, will continue to bless us with. My family, my health, first and foremost. You just can’t take things for granted. And I’m constantly instilling that in my kids because at the end of the day, I want them to know what’s important.”
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS WISH premieres on Saturday, Dec. 7.
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