Ed Sheeran has debuted a new music video for his original song Under The Tree, created for the upcoming animated feature That Christmas by Locksmith Animation.
The video marks the directorial debut of acclaimed filmmaker Richard Curtis, who is best known for classic holiday films like Love Actually. Starring Ed Sheeran and Bridgerton actress Claudia Jessie, the video was filmed primarily in Southwold, Suffolk—a town that inspired the movie's fictional setting, Wellington-On-Sea. Claudia Jessie portrays Sheeran's girlfriend in the video, which reflects the movie’s central themes of love, loneliness, and togetherness.
Ed Sheeran shared his excitement about the collaboration: “Richard Curtis made my favorite Christmas film and TV special. He came to my house in 2021, showed me a rough cut of his new one, and asked me to make a song for it. How could I resist?
He added, “Having kids, I struggle to find great movies for very young children to watch at Christmas, and this ticks all the boxes. This song is about a character in the film who wants to spend Christmas with his dad but can’t. It’s a heartbreaking scene and something so many people experience every year, being alone at Christmas. I hope everyone loves the song. The movie, That Christmas, comes out December 4 on Netflix. My family loves it, and I’m sure yours will too.”
Richard Curtis expressed his delight at directing Sheeran’s video: “It’s a real thrill to make my music video directing debut with my dear friend Ed Sheeran. I hope I’ve done justice to his gorgeous song. The lyrics are magical and unlock a critical moment in the film, layering emotions that go beyond what’s on screen and filling you with longing and hope.”
That Christmas is set for release on December 4 on Netflix, promising a heartwarming holiday experience for families worldwide.
