How Taylor Swift inspired a lifetime holiday movie

Last year, as writer Eirene Tran Donohue watched Taylor Swift cheer for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Arrowhead Stadium, a light bulb went off: This could be a rom-com. “I’ve written several Lifetime Christmas movies ,” Donohue shared. She texted her friend and Lifetime movie executive, Tia Maggini, pitching the idea of a love story between a global pop star and a down-to-earth professional football player. Maggini's response? “Do you want to do it?” Donohue recalled. “Christmas and Taylor Swift? These are the two great loves of my life.” And so, Christmas in the Spotlight was born. The movie premieres this Saturday at 8 PM EST/PST. A Swift and Kelce-Inspired Holiday Romance While Swift and Kelce's whirlwind romance has captured headlines, Christmas in the Spotlight is only loosely based on their story. The film follows Bowyn Sykes, a global pop sensation, and Drew "Gonzo" Gonville, a wide receiver for the Bay Spring Bombers. Unlike reality, Bowyn’s parents are absent, and Gonzo’s brother plays on the same team. Their meet-cute takes place at a post-concert meet-and-greet, a nod to Kelce’s infamous comments on his New Heights podcast about failing to meet Swift at a Kansas City show. Fans of Swift will delight in subtle Easter eggs, like Gonzo’s No. 13 jersey and lines such as, “Why they have to be so mean?” and “Let the games begin.” Mixed Reactions from Fans When the project was announced, reactions on social media were divided. On Reddit, user @luvlyyung wrote: “I mean, I love their story so far, and I love these types of movies, so yeah, I think I’ll give it a try.” Others were more skeptical, like @spirited-acadia4769, who said: “I find this extremely weird and invasive... but I realize it’s just a movie.” Writer Donohue addressed the concerns, emphasizing that the movie works as a standalone rom-com: “Swifties will enjoy it and understand it’s made with love—not as an attack or exploitation.” The Cast’s Chemistry and Inside Jokes Jessica Lord and Laith Wallschleger star as Bowyn and Drew, bringing undeniable chemistry to their roles. The pair tackled relatable challenges, from the tension of keeping a relationship private to being scrutinized as a potential PR stunt. Wallschleger, a former football player turned actor, joked about an unconventional puzzle montage in the film: “We made a puzzle scene sexy—I don’t think that’s ever been done before.” Rumors suggest that Kelce himself may host a watch party for the film. “Apparently, he’s planning to see it, so that’s cool,” Wallschleger shared. “You heard it here first.” A Feel-Good Holiday Movie Donohue hopes both Swift and Kelce will appreciate the film, which she describes as a heartfelt celebration. "There’s even a deep Easter egg that Jason Kelce would totally understand," she teased. Ultimately, Christmas in the Spotlight aims to offer warmth and joy. “The world has so much negativity,” Wallschleger said. “I just hope it makes someone laugh.” Lord added: “It’s a heartwarming movie about love, family, and following your dreams. Perfect for the holidays.” Catch Christmas in the Spotlight this Saturday on Lifetime.