Is A ‘Polar Express’ Prequel Coming To Max? Debunking ‘The Christmas Express’ Rumors

Where to Stream:

The Polar Express

Tom Hanks

Tim Allen Poised To Return To ‘Toy Story’ Franchise After Disney/Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ Lost Over $100 Million

‘Anyone But You’s Teaser Gives ‘Euphoria’ Vibes While Showcasing Sydney Sweeney And Glen Powell’s Palpable Chemistry

New Apple TV+ Series ‘Masters Of The Air’ Salutes Soldiers From World War II

Someone Is Lying Through Tom Hanks’ Teeth: The Actor Says He Has “Nothing To Do With” Fake AI Dental Insurance Video

The holiday season is upon us, and with that comes a slate of holly, jolly films to enjoy. The Polar Express, the animated holiday film based on Chris Van Allsburg’s bestselling children’s book of the same name, has delighted viewers since its debut in 2004. However, the internet has been buzzing — or rather, jingling — about a Polar Express prequel being in the works with one of its most iconic voice actors. But is it true?

A story from Spotted News called attention to rumors that Tom Hanks, the executive producer of The Polar Express who voiced six roles listed in the film’s credits, would be starring in The Christmas Express as Woodford Newton.

Just like the original movie, the supposed new Christmas film is said to be produced by Warner Bros, and would stream exclusively on Max in December, as suggested by its alleged promotional poster.

Is this potential prequel real, or too good to be true? Read on to find out if you should add The Christmas Express to your watchlist or if it is just a holiday hoax.

A prequel to “The Polar Express!” pic.twitter.com/xIIdepok5F
— Monique Sharp—Wanamaker (@SharpWanamaker) November 21, 2023

How To Watch The Christmas Express

There has been no public confirmation from Hanks, HBO, or other related parties, so it seems like this is just another internet-generated rumor. The streamer did not mention The Christmas Express in its most recent press release, which highlighted titles in its “Holiday Central Collection.”

Decider reached out to HBO, but did not hear back in time of publication.

In terms of the poster — if this is a farce — this wouldn’t be the first time that Hanks’ likeness has been used without his consent. He took to Instagram on Oct. 1 to warn fans that “an AI version” of him was being used in a video promoting a dental plan. In June, his image was used in a fraudulent, racist movie poster promoting an alleged biopic in which Hanks would star as Martin Luther King Jr.

Holiday Films To Watch On Max Instead Of The Christmas Express

Lucky for you, Max’s “Holiday Central Collection” grants subscribers access to the following festive films, and many more:

Additionally, the collection spotlights holiday episodes of sitcoms streaming on Max, such as Friends, Full House, Gossip Girl, and Abbott Elementary.