Kat Harlton
Artist Photo: Vita Cooper
Poster: Lionsgate Entertainment
Actor Ewan Wood is set to star alongside Judy Greer and Lauren Graham in one of the holiday season’s most anticipated films, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever hitting theatres on November 8th.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is directed by Dallas Jenkins, based on the children’s novel by Barbara Robinson and follows The Herdmans – six siblings who have a reputation for being the worst kids in the world. However, when they take over the local church pageant during the holidays, they just might teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas.
Ewan takes on the role of the mischievous and cheeky Leroy Herdman. Leroy’s obsession with snacks fuels much of the chaos in the Herdman family, making him a pivotal character in the story’s wild and humorous events
I had the opportunity to chat with Ewan about his role, favorite memories from set and more.
Kat: How did you feel when you first heard you’d be starring in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” alongside Judy Greer and Lauren Graham?
Ewan: At first, I didn’t know who else had been cast but I was really happy that I would get to be part of this movie. Later on when I found out about the big names who were starring like Judy Greer and Lauren Graham, it was very exciting because I had only seen them on tv and in movies before.
Kat: Can you tell us a bit about your character?
Ewan: Leroy Herdman is one of the ‘the worst kids in the world’ – he is always picking on other kids and stealing their lunches because he loves to snack.
Kat: What was it like working with Judy Greer and Lauren Graham? Any fun behind-the-scenes stories?
Ewan: It was an incredible experience, and the adults in the cast and crew were really supportive of all of us kids! I learned that you can be both super professional and still have loads of fun. I guess the most fun behind the scenes would have been celebrating birthdays on set or going curling with the whole cast and crew.
Kat: How did you prepare for your role in this holiday film?
Ewan: I worked with my mentor-coach to study the script to truly understand each scene. She told me that this is all about having fun, and to just know your lines and listen to your director.
Kat: What do you think makes “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” stand out among other holiday films?
Ewan: Of course it’s a fun Christmastime story, but definitely there’s a deeper message – celebrating what Christmas is all about. Director Dallas Jenkins has a way of bringing important messages through on the screen, so it will be meaningful for everyone who watches it.
Kat: Can you share any memorable moments from the set that you’ll never forget?
Ewan: Every time Pete Holme’s saw me hanging around between takes, he would lift me off my feet and shake me down whilst asking: “Where’s my money!?” – everyone found it very funny, especially because he’s so tall and I’m pretty short!
Kat: What’s your favorite holiday tradition and did you get to bring any of that into your performance?
Ewan: I love all the food and snacks during the holidays and thankfully, so does my character ‘Leroy’!
Kat: What’s next for you after “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”? Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Ewan: I’m very excited because I’m in a feature film with Johnny Knoxville and Jay Baruchel, will soon be appearing in an episode of an iconic, long running Canadian television series and am part of two short films.
Connect with Ewan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewanmatthyswood