Matt Rife Secures Culkin and Sheen for Netflix Christmas Promo
Comedian Matt Rife is making waves this holiday season with his new Netflix special, “Matt Rife: Unwrapped – A Christmas Crowd Work Special,” released on December 2, 2023. Directed by Erik Griffin, this festive special features Rife’s unique brand of crowd work, coupled with his comedic take on Christmas traditions.
Star-Studded Promotion for Rife’s Christmas Special
To generate excitement for this holiday offering, Rife enlisted iconic actors Macaulay Culkin and Charlie Sheen for a surprise promotional video. This unexpected collaboration marked a unique moment, as it was the first time the two seasoned stars had met.
Behind the Scenes with Rife
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Rife shared insights into how he brought Culkin and Sheen on board. Initially unsure if he could contact Culkin, Rife reached out to his team at Live Nation, who facilitated communication with the actor. Excited about the concept, Culkin agreed to participate shortly before filming began.
As for Sheen, their connection started when Sheen began following Rife on Instagram. Following a friendly lunch meeting, Rife proposed the idea of collaborating on the holiday promo, which Sheen eagerly accepted after reviewing the script.
Setting the Stage: A Night of Comedy in Phoenix
The special was filmed in Phoenix, Arizona. Rife brought a holiday spirit to the set, donning Santa pants while interacting with the audience. His approach blends humor, spontaneity, and traditional holiday elements, providing audiences with an entertaining experience.
Elements of Crowd Work
Known for his crowd work, Rife plans to continue exploring this format in future specials. He aims to blend unique themes with engaging crowd interactions, making each performance distinct and memorable.
Anticipation for New Projects
Looking ahead, Rife is preparing for multiple upcoming projects in 2026, including “The Altruists,” where he will star alongside Julia Garner. In this series, he plays a character linked to the infamous FTX scandal, a departure from his comedic roots.
Continuing to Make History
This year, Rife achieved significant milestones, breaking records in comedy arenas and establishing himself as a rising star in acting. His commitment to philanthropy is evident in annual charitable initiatives, including toy drives to support local children’s hospitals.
Matt Rife’s holiday special, combined with his collaborations with Culkin and Sheen, showcases the comedian’s ability to merge innovative comedy with beloved cultural icons, making “Matt Rife: Unwrapped” a must-watch this festive season.
