Chad Michael Murray to Star in Upcoming Hallmark Holiday Film THE WISE MEN

According to Entertainment Weekly, Chad Michael Murray has signed on to star in Hallmark CHANNEL movie The Wise Men with Jessy Schram, EW has learned exclusively. In the film, Maggie (Schram) must ensure that three adult sons of her boss arrive home for Christmas. But when a blizzard hits, Maggie persuades the eldest son and her co-worker, Danny (Murray), to assist her in navigating this cross-country journey while trying to shut down the blossoming romance that is coming with this snowstorm.

Murray is known for portraying Lucas Scott in The WB/CW drama series One Tree Hill from 2003 to 2009, and for his portrayal of war veteran and SSR agent Jack Thompson in the Marvel/ABC series Agent Carter. He has had starring roles in the films Freaky Friday (2003), A Cinderella Story (2004), and House of Wax (2005).

The Hallmark CHANNEL is an American cable and satellite television network that is owned by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., which is owned by Hallmark Cards, Inc. The channel's programming is primarily targeted at families, and features a mix of television movies and miniseries, original and acquired television series, and lifestyle programs.

From the last weekend in October until January 1, Hallmark CHANNEL runs a seasonal block called "Countdown to Christmas", featuring a mix of holiday movies, specials and holiday-themed original programming.The block is branded as Countdown to New Years from December 26 until January 1 and culminates with the channel's broadcast of the Tournament of Roses Parade.

In 2014, the Hallmark CHANNEL and Hallmark Card collaborated for the first time on a movie, Northpole, which was shown during Countdown to Christmas. During the 2017 holiday season, the Hallmark CHANNEL premiered 33 original Christmas holiday films, up from a total of 28 holiday movies in 2016. Hallmark has a total of 136 Christmas holiday-themed movies in their original library of films.

There is a carve out of the Countdown to Xmas with its Thanksgiving event titled "Five Nights Stuffed Full of Original Holiday Movies".