The Obamas’ Higher Ground Sets ‘Merry Ex-Mas’ At 20th Century Studios; First One Outside Netflix

EXCLUSIVE: Higher Ground has made a deal with 20th Century Studios for Merry Ex-Mas, a comedy script David Bernstein that marks the first project they’ve set up outside their long association with Netflix.

The holiday-themed film begins with Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause heading toward divorce court, including a custody battle over Christmas. They are out to directors and cast already.  

Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground began with an exclusive deal at Netflix that harvested the Oscar winner American Factory, Crip Camp, Leave the World Behind and the Kevin Hart-starrer Fatherhood.

They signed on earlier this year for an extension of their creative partnership with Netflix, but the deal is now a non-exclusive first look. Higher Ground is producing.