It’s been over 40 years since The Goonies hit theaters, but Sean Astin shows no signs of slowing down. Known for his performances as Mikey in The Goonies and Sam in The Lord of the Rings, the beloved actor is back for a new Scrooge-inspired project.
The upcoming indie film, Scruggs, is a reimagining of Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol. It will take a bold and modern-day approach to the story, following a real estate mogul, Edward Scruggs. According to the producers, it will be “a magical journey with three larger-than-life spirits on Christmas Eve.”
Astin will star in Scruggs opposite Calvin Kassab in the titular role.
Sam Logan Khaleghi will produce Scruggs, while Zachary Ruda will direct it. According to Deadline, production recently wrapped in Detroit, Michigan, and is set to release during the 2026 film festival season.
“I am thrilled and elated to have the absolute honor of such an amazing cast,” Khaleghi told Deadline. “We have a diverse corps of talent that delivers both comedy and drama perfectly in our gritty contemporary take that still maintains the traditions and customs of the original literature.”
Donnell Clayton and Andrew-Dawe Collins will also appear in Scruggs, alongside Sarah Catherine Moore in her debut film. Scruggs will be released with Kassab Pictures in association with SLK Media Group.
“We live in a world that needs more empathy,” Kassab said to Deadline. “The Scrooge archetype is about compassion through shared human moments.”
This is Astin’s first starring role since being elected president of SAG-AFTRA, the outlet notes.
He will be furthering the union’s goals of protecting the rights of performers during “the A.I. age,” and has joined SAG-AFTRA’s Government and Policy Committee, “which has enabled him to deliver congressional testimony advocating for legislative guardrails around digital replica use,” according to the guild. The presidential announcement can be found here.
This story was originally published by Parade on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Movies section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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