Spencer, Chastain Reunite for Holiday Comedy ‘Deck the Y’Alls’

Lead: Oscar winners Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain will share the screen again in the festive comedy Deck the Y’Alls, set to film in Charleston next year with Wanda Sykes joining the cast.

Nut Graf: This marks the first on-screen reunion of Spencer and Chastain since their acclaimed roles in The Help (2011), tapping into their proven chemistry to anchor a holiday tale of love, family and Southern hospitality.

Story and Key Players

  • Plot: New York baker Rachel Stein (Chastain) falls for Beau, a younger Southern gentleman, and travels to Charleston for Christmas - only to clash with matriarch and celebrity chef Gladys Gibbes (Spencer).
  • Writer: Tracy Oliver, acclaimed for Girls Trip, penned the screenplay alongside Stefanie Williams.
  • Supporting Cast: Emmy winner Wanda Sykes joins the ensemble, bringing her signature comedic flair.

Production Details

  • Location: Charleston, South Carolina
  • Schedule: Principal photography slated to begin in early 2026
  • Studios & Partners: Backed by Sandbox Studios, ORIT Entertainment, Freckle Films and Sony Music Vision, with distribution talks underway.

Why It Matters

Spencer’s Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in The Help and Chastain’s Oscar win for The Eyes of Tammy Faye underscore their status as Hollywood heavyweights. Their reunion promises both a nostalgic draw for audiences and a fresh holiday narrative driven by strong female leads.

What’s Next

  • Deck the Y’Alls is currently in pre-production, with casting and creative team announcements expected in the coming months.
  • Fans of The Help can anticipate seeing Spencer and Chastain’s dynamic evolve against a backdrop of Christmas chaos and Southern charm.