L-R: Drew and Bruening (Photos: Courtesy)

Christmas in July just ended, but the holiday season pregaming continues with the official detailed announcement of two more movies that are coming to Lifetime‘s beloved It’s A Wonderful Lifetime programming event, which is set to return in October.

For Sarah Drew‘s (Amber Brown) previously announced “Reindeer Games Homecoming”, Lifetime has revealed that the actress will reunite with her former “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star, Justin Bruening (Sweet Magnolias). Drew penned the script for this film, and will also serve as executive producer!

Lifetime’s own ‘Queen of Christmas’, Melissa Joan Hart, will direct “Santa Bootcamp”, her fourth directed picture for the network, which will reunite her with Tony® award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray); the two co-starred in 2018’s “A Very Nutty Christmas”.  The movie will also star Emily Kinney (The Walking Dead), Justin Gaston (Nashville), Patrick Cassidy (Castle) and EGOT award winner Rita Moreno (West Side Story).

“I have always been a holiday person… particularly Christmas. The idea that I’m actually going to participate in this wonderful Lifetime Christmas movie, Santa Bootcamp, just tickles me to no end,” said Moreno. “I have been known, at Christmas time, to decorate anyone in my house who happens to stand still for more than a minute. I will decorate anyone and anything because I turn into a child. Therefore, what a treat for me! Thank you Lifetime. My grandchildren are already celebrating!”

According to a press release from Lifetime, ‘Santa Bootcamp will also showcase the network’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as deaf actors Deanne Bray and Zyra Singleton will be joining the cast.’  Read more about the movies below!

Photo: Handout by Lifetime

Lifetime has announced a two-picture deal collaboration with Sarah Drew!  The former “Grey’s Anatomy” star is set to star, write and executive produce holiday films, which will be part of the network’s iconic It’s a Wonderful Lifetime annual programming slate.

One of the films, “Reindeer Games,“ was born from an original script by Drew and follows a fading Hollywood star who returns to his small tight knit hometown post breakup. He’s begrudgingly roped into the town’s holiday fundraising tradition, “The Reindeer Games,” but when he surprisingly falls for (and is competing against) a former classmate he ignored in high school who’s determined to beat him at all costs, he must win the game and win her heart as well.

“I’ve absolutely loved working with Lifetime over the past few years and couldn’t be more thrilled to continue my relationship with them as an actor and now as a writer and producer as well. I’m delighted to announce my screen-writing debut with ‘Reindeer Games,’ a romantic comedy about love, loss, and the importance of true community. I’m looking forward to working with Lifetime to bring more stories like this to life”, Drew said in a statement.

In additional to the Christmas films, Drew will also star in “Stolen Hearts: The Lizbeth Meredith Story” (working title).  We can’t wait to watch her next holiday film with Lifetime; she previously starred in 2019’s “Twinkle All the Way” and “Christmas Pen Pals” in 2018.

Stay Merry,