Olivia Holt and recent co-star, Connor Swindells, talk vulnerability, resilience, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again.
By Amelia Whearty
There’s a certain electricity that lingers after a film wraps – that rare alchemy between cast, story, and circumstance. For Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells, that energy still hums when they talk about Jingle Bell Heist, a holiday caper that dances between humour, heart, and a touch of mischief. As the film readies for release, the pair came together to reflect on laughter, risk, and rediscovering joy at Christmas time.
Connor Swindells: We had a lot of memorable days filming Jingle Bell Heist. Was there a moment on set that really stayed with you?
Olivia Holt: There was so much laughter and chaos. But what I remember most are the quiet scenes, the ones we decided to strip down and play without dialogue. Letting silence speak was new for me, and it felt really powerful.
CS: Those moments gave the film its heartbeat. And honestly, some of our “green rooms” were hilarious – like the tanning salon we used early on when the magician was teaching me tricks. We spent hours waiting in the strangest places, trying not to laugh.
CS: We’ve both worked across so many genres. What drew you to this project?
OH: I’ve always had a soft spot for rom-coms and Christmas films. This one had warmth, nostalgia, and a great team – it just felt joyful.
CS: Same here. It’s a story full of love, humour, and energy, with moments that remind you why we love movies in the first place.
Amelia Whearty: Can you tell us a little about your characters and how they meet?
CS: Nick’s just out of prison, trying to reconnect with his daughter and get back on his feet. He’s desperate, so his choices aren’t always great. He crosses paths with Sophia for all the wrong reasons but somehow, they bring out the best in each other.
OH: Sophia’s at her breaking point, she’s juggling family, bills, and self-doubt. Nick shakes her out of her routine. What starts as a strange encounter turns into a connection she didn’t see coming.
CS: Sophia balances wit and vulnerability beautifully. How did you find that mix?
OH: I relate to her – I use humour to get through heavy moments, too. She’s guarded but open enough to let people in. Some days she gets it wrong, but that’s what makes her human. We all had this shared instinct on set – knowing when to lean into comedy or just let things breathe emotionally.
CS: You’ve also moved into producing. Has that shifted how you see your work as an actor?
OH: Completely. Acting gives you emotion; producing gives you perspective. You’re part of the story’s architecture – shaping tone, energy, and message. It’s challenging but so rewarding.
CS: Your turn as Roxy Hart on Broadway was a huge moment. How did that experience change you?
OH: That was one of the most intense but rewarding experiences of my life. I didn’t get the part the first time – I actually fought for a second chance. I reworked everything, added scenes, and finally got the call. It taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting yourself. Performing live every night taught me a new kind of courage.
CS: Music is another big part of your creative world. Do you find your two disciplines feed into each other?
OH: Absolutely. Music informs my acting constantly. I build playlists for my characters to get into their emotional rhythm. It helps me find tone and truth before I even step on set.
AW: You’ve both grown up in the industry. How do you maintain perspective amid the noise?
OH: Gratitude. Every experience, even the difficult ones shape you. I’ve learned to see growth in every season, even when it doesn’t feel glamorous.
CS: And I have to say, Olivia’s one of the most grounded people I’ve worked with. For someone who’s been doing this since she was thirteen, she’s got her feet planted firmly on the ground. That kind of focus is rare.
CS: Your work often resonates with younger audiences. Is that something you think about when choosing roles?
OH: Not directly. I choose stories that move me. Of course, I hope people connect with them – but it’s more about honesty than audience. If the story feels true, it will find who it needs to find.
CS: Exactly. You can’t control how people receive a story; you can only tell it truthfully.
CS: Looking ahead, what kind of stories excite you most?
OH: I’m drawn to stories that make people feel something – joy, love, reflection. The world needs stories that reconnect us to empathy. Whether it’s a comedy or a drama, if it stirs emotion, I’m in.
CS: Someone once told me, “If you wouldn’t want to start it tomorrow, say no.” I live by that. It’s all about the spark.
AW: Any final thoughts for the readers before the release?
CS: I hope people come together with their families this season and just enjoy it – it’s heartfelt, funny, and full of spirit.
OH: Me too. I hope it reminds people that even in life’s chaos, there’s always room for laughter, love, and a little magic.
Jingle Bell Heist premieres November 26 on Netflix, just in time for the holidays – a story about second chances, unexpected connections, and the beauty of finding light when the snow starts to fall.
Talent OLIVIA HOLT
Photographer MEG MYFANWY YOUNG
Stylist MARISA ELLISON represented by OPUS BEAUTY
Makeup Artist KINDRA MANN
Styling Assistant TRICIA MANALANG