Hallmark Making First Movie With Autistic Character Starring Holly Robinson Peete

While we are still very much in the fall, Christmas is coming, albeit in a couple of months. As fans know, the Hallmark Channel is already getting its holiday movie program together, including new, original films. One of these is the first Hallmark movie to feature an autistic character, starring actress Holly Robinson Peete. Moreover, this is a movie that means a lot to Peete, as she has a son on the autism spectrum.

Hallmark Channel News – New Hallmark Movie For Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete is known for her roles in 21 Jump Street and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. However, she recently joined the Hallmark Channel and has starred in several Morning Show Mysteries movies as Billie Blessings. Now, Holly is set to feature in a new Hallmark movie and this is one she has a personal connection to. Peete recently posted on Instagram to dedicate the movie to her son Rodney Peek, Jr. (RJ), who is on the autism spectrum.

In her post, Holly wrote, “SOOOOO EXCITED about this new project #TheChristmasBond! I’ve always wanted to make a Christmas movie about #autism.” She continued, “I am dedicating this movie to my son RJ, and others with autism and their families. I am grateful to @hallmarkchannel for bringing this story to screen with authenticity, respect and hope.”

Peete continued by thanking her producing partner, writing, “Thank you to my producing partner @oadelsonn for making this dream project come true. Airs in December on @hallmarkmovie.”

After their son RJ was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Holly and her husband, Rodney Peete, formed the HollyRod Foundation in 1997 to help families affected by an autism diagnosis.

Hallmark Channel News – About The Christmas Bond

The Christmas Bond begins production soon and will air later in the year, during the Hallmark Channel’s festive movie programming. Besides Peete, the movie stars Lyriq Bent (Acrimony) and a young actor with autism, Nik Sanchez (The Rookie).

According to the official synopsis from Hallmark: “As a single mom (Peete) and her teenage son with autism (Sanchez) come to a crossroad during Christmas, she must learn to let go so he can flourish and finds her own heart healing in unexpected ways.”

As noted by the Futon Critic, The Christmas Bond will premiere later in 2021 as part of the Hallmark Channel’s Miracles of Christmas programming event. The movie will be directed by Kevin Fair and the script was written by Marcy Holland from a story by Camille Thomasson. Keep checking CTS for more Hallmark Movie Channel news and updates.