Christmas Carol's star-studded cast

MANILA, Philippines - The star-studded cast of Disney’s A Christmas Carol is led by Jim Carrey who portrays the lead character Ebenezer Scrooge at various ages old and young, as well as the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Christmas Yet to Come.

Director Robert Zemeckis called on several actors to join Jim. Gary Oldman stars as Scrooge’s beleaguered employee, Bob Cratchit, his young and ill son Tiny Tim, as well as the ghost of Joseph Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner. Colin Firth stars as Fred, Scrooge’s cheerful, good-hearted nephew, while Robin Wright Penn stars as Belle, who long ago stole Scrooge’s heart.

Talking about Gary, Zemeckis remarks, “We hired a great actor who himself is a master of disguise.”

“Gary Oldman is one of the most brilliant actors working today and to have him come and do these characters that require different aspects of personality and experience, it’s amazing to watch,” adds producer Jack Rapke.

Colin plays a central figure in the film —- the forever optimistic Fred, whose cheery disposition and opposing outlook on life is a stark contrast to that of his grumpy uncle Scrooge.

“Fred is quite simply the opposite of Scrooge,” explains Firth. “He’s the foil. If Scrooge is the ultimate pessimist, Fred is the ultimate optimist. I think Fred sees life very simply. ‘Why can’t we be friends? It’s not complicated. I’m inviting you to dinner. Why don’t you just come for dinner?’ I think he embodies the Christmas spirit. He wishes no ill to anybody.”

“Colin is a dashing actor,” says producer Steve Starkey. “He is just a perfect, proper young Englishman.”

Robin, who appeared in Zemeckis’ previous performance-capture film Beowulf, and the director’s acclaimed hit Forrest Gump, portrays Belle, the beautiful young woman whom Scrooge chooses not to pursue, turning his back on a life of love and light. Robin also plays Scrooge’s young sister Fan, for whom Scrooge had a great affection; he could never quite get over her untimely death.  

“Robin is part of our repertory company,” says Rapke. “There is not a female role that we don’t think of her first. She is so talented, and she is part of our creative family.

“As Belle, she is part of the moment that forms the older Scrooge,” continues Rapke. “She is the object of his love. She represents what could have been and is the source of Scrooge’s greatest sadness. His life would have been totally different. And for Fan, we needed somebody to portray that kind of beautiful innocence, that verve for life with a slightly naive quality — that’s Robin.”

Now showing in theaters and in Digital 3D cinemas and in IMAX 3D in SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA, Disney’s A Christmas Carol is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.