Ed Sheeran has made Christmas even more magical with his latest single, “Under the Tree,” and its heartfelt music video, directed by none other than Love Actually filmmaker Richard Curtis.
This collaboration brings together two creative powerhouses with a longstanding history. Sheeran, 33, and Curtis, 68, have worked on multiple projects over the years, including Comic Relief and the 2017 film Yesterday. Their connection runs deep, with Sheeran’s first girlfriend having once babysat Curtis’ children.
The Making of “Under the Tree”
The song originated during Curtis’ work on his animated feature That Christmas, inspired by his children’s books. Initially conceived as a musical, Curtis asked Sheeran to contribute a song for a key scene. After Sheeran handed in the track, which he described as his first-ever sad Christmas song, he thought his involvement was complete.
“It’s the one thing I’ve wanted to write,” Sheeran said. “I’d never seen the need to write a sad Christmas song until writing this one…this is quite a lot of people’s realities at Christmas.”
Two years later, Curtis returned to Sheeran with an update on the film and a request to finalize the song. Sheeran, however, had one condition for making a music video: Curtis had to direct it.
“I’ve felt that having him put his stamp on me doing a Christmas song would be kind of special to me,” Sheeran explained.
Bringing the Video to Life
Curtis stepped into new territory by directing the music video, crafting a Sliding Doors-inspired narrative. He cast Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie in the video, which was filmed near Sheeran’s home with extras that included familiar faces, like a friend’s mother.
The director described the song as “lyrically magical” and a perfect match for the emotional depth of That Christmas. “It unlocks a critical moment in the film for us. Suddenly you feel all these layered emotions that go beyond what is seen on screen and you are filled with longing and hope,” Curtis said.
A Bittersweet Christmas
“Under the Tree” reflects a different side of the holiday season, highlighting the bittersweet and reflective experiences many people face. For Sheeran, this collaboration with Curtis adds a deeply personal and emotional touch to his music, marking a new milestone in his career.
That Christmas premiered on Netflix on December 4, and with Sheeran’s poignant song woven into its narrative, it’s sure to leave viewers filled with both nostalgia and hope.
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