Hallmark’s reigning Christmas queen, Lacey Chabert, dives into the spooky season with ‘Haul Out the Halloween,’ confessing a humorous ‘betrayal’ to her holiday roots. This definitive guide unpacks the star-studded cast, fan-favorite Easter eggs, and the exciting expansion of the beloved ‘Haul Out’ series into new holiday territory.
For many fans, Hallmark Channel and Lacey Chabert are synonymous with Christmas. Chabert, often dubbed the “Queen of Christmas” by enthusiasts, has graced over 40 films for the network, solidifying her festive legacy. However, in a delightful twist that has sparked both excitement and humorous concern among her loyal following, Chabert is now headlining ‘Haul Out the Halloween,’ the latest installment in the popular ‘Haul Out’ series, which previously celebrated the yuletide season.
The move to a Halloween-themed film, following the success of ‘Haul Out the Holly’ and ‘Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up,’ left even Chabert herself feeling a little conflicted. “I felt like I was cheating on Christmas,” she shared with People, expressing a sentiment likely echoed by her devoted fan base. This humorous confession underscores the playful spirit behind Hallmark’s expansion of the beloved Evergreen Lane neighborhood beyond its usual festive fare.
Evergreen Lane Embraces the Spooky Season
The enchanting Evergreen Lane neighborhood, known for its over-the-top holiday displays, takes on a new, ghoulish charm in ‘Haul Out the Halloween.’ When fun-loving and spooky new neighbors, Luna (Kimberly J. Brown) and Marvin (Daniel Kountz), move to the block, they inspire Emily (Lacey Chabert), Jared (Wes Brown), and the rest of the HOA to launch ‘Everscream Lane’ to fundraise for a local charity. This expansion sees the neighborhood brewing up pumpkin spice and everything boo-tastic, as reported by Parade.
The film, directed by Maclain Nelson, brings back the cherished cast members from the Christmas installments. Alongside Chabert and Brown, fans can look forward to seeing Melissa Peterman as Pamela, Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned, and Ellen Travolta as Mary Louise, among others. The familiar dynamics and comedic timing of this ensemble are central to the series’ appeal, making the transition to Halloween a seamless and entertaining experience.
A ‘Halloweentown’ Reunion and Real-Life Friendships
A particularly exciting addition for fans of classic spooky cinema is the casting of Kimberly J. Brown and Daniel Kountz as the new Halloween-obsessed neighbors, Luna and Marvin. Brown is widely recognized for her role as a teen witch in Disney Channel’s beloved ‘Halloweentown’ series, where Kountz also starred in ‘Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge.’ Their real-life love story—reconnecting years after their ‘Halloweentown’ days and marrying in 2024—adds an extra layer of magic to their on-screen chemistry.
The casting was a dream come true for Lacey Chabert, who has a long-standing friendship with Brown. “Kim and I have been friends since we were 7, 8, or 9 years old, and we did ‘Les Misérables’ together on Broadway,” Chabert shared with People. This deep personal connection between the cast members often translates into authentic on-screen rapport, a quality cherished by Hallmark viewers. Kountz also expressed his joy, calling it “an absolute treat” to work with Chabert again.
Easter Eggs and On-Set Laughter
Fans of the ‘Haul Out’ franchise know to keep an eye out for clever Easter eggs, and ‘Haul Out the Halloween’ promises to deliver. Chabert confirmed that viewers should watch for a ‘Mean Girls’-inspired “plastic” line, a nod to one of her most iconic roles. Kimberly J. Brown also worked with director Maclain Nelson to include subtle tributes to ‘Halloweentown,’ honoring her past and the legendary Debbie Reynolds, as detailed in the People interview.
The set of ‘Haul Out the Halloween’ was clearly a place of immense fun and camaraderie. Chabert admitted that not laughing was the hardest part, particularly during a ‘Wizard of Oz’ bit with Melissa Peterman, which left her in tears of laughter. Peterman, in turn, shared that making Stephen Tobolowsky giggle was a constant goal, noting his infectious humor. Tobolowsky affectionately referred to Peterman as “the closer” for her ability to deliver perfectly hilarious lines, even if sometimes “too off-color for a Hallmark film.”
Unexpected Romance and a Memorable Wedding
Beyond the laughs and spooky decorations, ‘Haul Out the Halloween’ also features a blossoming new romance that even surprised the cast. Melissa Peterman teased a “hidden romance that becomes unhidden,” with Stephen Tobolowsky admitting he was “in total shock” when he read the script for this storyline. This adds an element of heartwarming surprise amidst the comedic chaos.
A wedding scene proved to be a particularly emotional moment during filming. Tobolowsky confessed to crying during the “beautiful” ceremony, touched by the genuine community spirit. Peterman noted it was filmed near the end of production, contributing to the cast’s emotional state as they prepared to depart. Lacey Chabert beautifully summarized the scene’s impact, stating, “It’s a particularly sweet wedding because of the neighborhood coming together… underneath it all is a real sense of community,” as told to People.
The Future of the ‘Haul Out’ Series
The success and fan enthusiasm for the ‘Haul Out’ series have naturally led to discussions about its future, extending beyond Halloween. The cast has openly shared their imaginative ideas for even more holiday-themed installments. These fan-driven concepts highlight the franchise’s potential to become a staple across various holidays.
During an interview with Parade, the actors brainstormed several exciting possibilities:
- Melissa Peterman suggested ‘Haul Out the Hippity Hop Easter!’ envisioning an “epic” Easter egg hunt.
- A writer proposed ‘Haul Out the Baby,’ which Peterman playfully evolved into ‘Haul Out the High Chair!’ for Emily and Jared’s potential future.
- Stephen Tobolowsky pitched a Passover-themed episode, humorously titled ‘Haul Out the Horseradish.’
- Wes Brown expressed interest in a Thanksgiving movie, drawn to “the food element” and imagining Ned going turkey hunting.
While Evergreen Lane might not be a real neighborhood, the magic is brought to life in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, where the movies are filmed. This tangible setting helps ground the fantastical holiday celebrations for viewers, making the series even more relatable and beloved.
Where and When to Watch ‘Haul Out the Halloween’
Fans eager to join the spooky festivities on Evergreen Lane can catch the premiere of ‘Haul Out the Halloween’ on Saturday, October 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. For those who prefer streaming, the movie will be available the very next day on Hallmark+.
If you miss the premiere, there are several opportunities to watch it again:
- Sunday, October 12, at 6 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, October 14, at 8 p.m. ET
- Thursday, October 16, at 6 p.m. ET
The transition from holly to haunts marks an exciting new chapter for Lacey Chabert and the entire ‘Haul Out’ cast, proving that the spirit of community and celebration can shine through any holiday. Even if it means “cheating on Christmas” just a little bit.
