The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, created by author Jeff Kinney, have been adored by fans of all ages since the first book was published in 2007. Over the last few years, the series has enjoyed even more popularity thanks to several adapted films on Disney+.
In what’s quickly becoming an annual tradition, the latest film, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, is set to release December 8th, just in time for the holidays. The book that it’s based on is actually the sixth book in the franchise, but will be the third Disney+ film released.
The story follows the series protagonist, Greg, and his best friend Rowley, as they accidentally get involved in some holiday hijinks when their town is hit by a snowstorm that renders everyone stuck at home for an extended period. The film is timely given the holiday season, and very relatable, considering what we’ve all been through over the last few years.
I had the chance to speak with Kinney, which marks our third conversation (one for each film) about his beloved series.
The first Disney+ film was released in 2021, during the pandemic, and Kinney talked about how he hasn’t really had the opportunity to hear any feedback from fans of the film. “What’s really funny about the streaming world is that because there’s no theater to go to and to listen to people reacting to it, it’s weird, it feels like you put it out there and you don’t hear much,” Kinney said. “I think maybe years from now I’ll hear about kids who grew up on these films and that will be really gratifying but I actually don’t get a lot of face-to-face reaction.”
Kinney also shared that they were initially working on a different film, when Disney decided to pivot and focus on releasing this one for the Christmas season. “We were actually working on another movie and then they said ‘Hey let’s do a Christmas special.’ They decided pretty late in the game and we rolled with it and got it out on time. But I feel that their instincts were right. They wanted to put this film out in the world and at this time and it feels like the right move,” Kinney said.
Given how all of us were stuck at home not that long ago, I asked Kinney about the extra weight this film carries and he said, “I hadn’t really been thinking about that until today doing some interviews where I realized that it really is a COVID story in a way, about being trapped with your family and coming to learn to appreciate your family even though the circumstances can be difficult.”
Check out our full conversation below and watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever streaming on Disney+ December 8th.
About Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever
A hilarious and heartfelt holiday tale centered around everyone’s favorite disaster-prone middle school student, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever” is the latest animated movie based on Jeff Kinney’s wildly successful book series, premiering December 8, 2023, exclusively on Disney+.
The winter holidays are turning out to be especially stressful for Greg Heffley this year. After accidentally damaging a snowplow while making a snowman with best friend Rowley Jefferson, Greg worries he won’t get the new video game console he so desperately wants for Christmas. To make matters worse, he gets snowed in with his family, including his grumpy older brother Rodrick and annoying younger brother Manny. Directed by Luke Cormican (“Teen Titans Go!) and written and produced by Jeff Kinney, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever” features the voices of Wesley Kimmel (“The Mandalorian”), Spencer Howell (“Ithaca”), Chris Diamantopoulos (“Beavis and Butt-Head”), Erica Cerra (“Power Rangers”), and Hunter Dillon (“Deadpool 2”).
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever” will stream December 8, 2023, exclusively on Disney+.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
