When a movie starts filming and someone drops out, we admit, we wonder why. We wonder if what the studio is telling us is the truth or if it’s carefully PR crafted. We always know that it’s more than what we will ever be told. Especially when the answer is “scheduling conflict” for the actor.
And for Tony Danza has dropped out of the upcoming Hallmark movie, Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, due to scheduling conflicts.
Joe Pantoliano has stepped in to replace Danza in the film. According to the press release, Danze pulled out due to a “last-minute scheduling conflict.”
We never understand how that happens, but here we are. And we’re moving forward with accepting that answer for the change. Mostly because we are excited for the film.
The synopsis for the film?
Well according to Variety, “The Quinns and DeLucas have lived next door to each other for decades in the shadow of Highmark Stadium – the home of their beloved Buffalo Bills. With their longtime friendship rooted in being proud members of Bills Mafia, the two clans have enjoyed cherished traditions that revolve around cheering for their favorite team – especially at the holidays when they celebrate the last home game before Christmas. Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Roden) and the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development Gabe DeLuca (Daddario) have always been close friends, but Gabe has always held a torch for her – a fact obvious to their families (Pollan, Aaron, Schirripa)…and everyone else who crosses their path.
And then adds, “When Morgan learns from her Uncle Tommy (Danza) that someone anonymously helped her family get by after he was drafted more than 60 years ago – and that he continues to receive a Christmas gift each year to this day –she decides to find his benefactor and give her uncle a Christmas he’ll always remember. Morgan and Gabe work together to unwrap the gifter’s identity.”
It continues, “Along the way, Gabe’s love for Morgan deepens and in turn, she begins to see him in a new light though neither is daring enough to admit their feelings. Meanwhile, Morgan’s hopes of pulling off her surprise for Uncle Tommy get sacked. That is, until Gabe takes matters into his own hands and uses his connections with the Bills to pull off the surprise of a lifetime for Morgan and both their families that will make this a Christmas they’ll never forget.”
THE CAST
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story will also feature a cast of current and former Bills players – including Sean McDermott, running back Ray Davis, safety Damar Hamlin, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, tight end Dawson Knox, long snapper Reid Ferguson, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter and wide receiver Joshua Palmer.
Former Bills players, Jim Kelly, Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Scott Norwood and Andre Reed will also make an appearance in the film.
Production on the film is underway, in Buffalo.
