‘SCROOGE – a Christmas Carol’ Podcast Starring Sean Astin and John Rhys-Davis Presented by Hope Media Group and Compassion International

Nashville, Tennessee / October 24, 2023 – SCROOGE: A Christmas Carol – A Podcast Presentation of
Hope Media Group and Compassion International in partnership with KSBJ & WayFM are bringing the
much-loved story wherever you find podcasts on November 16. This 4-part, fully dramatized and all-new
adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens will get the entire family in the Christmas spirit.
While being true to the original story, screenwriter P.G. Cuschieri and creator/producer Mark Ramsey
imagined fresh story elements with beloved actors Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) & John Rhys-Davies
(Indiana Jones). This new adaptation will highlight inspirational family themes that will encourage listeners
for many Christmases yet-to-come.

“On behalf of Hope Media Group, I am incredibly proud to announce Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. This
podcast experience features a star-studded cast that delivers a Hollywood quality experience to listeners
of any age. Scrooge is a testament to our passion for spreading Hope through engaging content for the
entire family. We are eager to present this production in cooperation with our friends at Compassion
international who share our desire to see lives transformed.”

– Joe Paulo
President and CEO of Hope Media Group

“Everyone knows the story of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. We have seen the movies and stage shows
and read the book. But there has never been an all-star, full cast dramatic audio adaptation of the story
produced in the US in podcast form – until now. This is not just a retelling of a familiar tale. This original
adaptation by Paul Cuschieri adds new elements which bring to life more of the story’s central themes:
The importance of hope, the gift of forgiveness, compassion for others in need, and the miracle of
redemption. Families have never heard the story told this way before by a cast of familiar names and
voices. “
-Mark Ramsey
Creator, Director and Show-runner of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

SYNOPSIS
This four episode adaptation of “Scrooge: A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens brings the characters
we all know and love to life unlike ever before through a star-studded dramatic audio adaptation in
podcast form. Ebenezer Scrooge, a self-obsessed miserable miser of all things un-merry and un-bright, is
everything Christmas isn’t. After he is visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come,
Scrooge transforms into a new man and embodies all the best parts of Christmas. Through this journey of
transformation, listeners will encounter themes of joy, mercy, hope, and more. This new re-telling of the
holiday classic will entertain, inspire, and remind you that even the hardest of hearts can find redemption.
The story of Scrooge is a known commodity and has been a well-loved story for nearly 180 Christmases
past.

According to PBS and the National Institute of Health, listening to podcasts with your children encourages
conversation and fosters their imagination. Too much screen exposure can lead to adverse effects on
school performance in children.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
● Text SCROOGE to 67101 be notified when the new episodes release
● Scrooge: A Christmas Carol will be releasing in four parts on November 16
● Listen for original music featuring Kerri Roberts. Lyrics in this song were written and inspired by
the story, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.

SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER
P.G. Cuschieri (writer)
Mark Ramsey (showrunner/producer)
Jim Young (producer)

CAST
Sean Astin LORD OF THE RINGS, RUDY, STRANGER THINGS) as Scrooge
John Rhys-Davies (LORD OF THE RINGS, INDIANA JONES) as Narrator
Juliet Mills (AVANTI!) as Ghost of Christmas Future
Ben Barnes (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN) as Ghost of Christmas Present
Bethany Joy Lenz (ONE TREE HILL, DEXTER) as Elizabeth
Ryan O’Quin (BELIEVE) as Bob Cratchit
Clive Standen (VIKINGS, THE MORNING SHOW) as Fredrick
Lucy Punch (INTO THE WOODS) as Ghost of Christmas Past
Maxwell Caulfield (GREASE 2, THE COLBYS) as Jacob Marley

PRESS ASSETS
Media Tip Sheet
Headshot and Bios
Suggested Interview Questions
For interviews, contact: Ashli Bock – 830-739-9145 – ashli@130a.com
For more information on Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, visit ScroogePodcast.com
For press material, visit: 130a.com

About Hope Media Group
Hope Media Group is a Houston-based ministry with multiple brands that engage people to love Jesus,
serve others and spread Hope. HMG’s brands include Houston-focused 89.3 KSBJ, the national radio
network of WayFM stations, the Spanish-language Christian radio network, Vida Unida, NGEN (Christian
hip-hop and pop), Hope Nation (hopenation.org), WAY LOUD and the God Listens Prayer App, plus a
concert and event brand, Hope Events.

About Compassion International
Compassion International is a child-development ministry dedicated to releasing children from poverty in
Jesus’ name. Through sponsorships and donations, they empower local churches to provide
individualized and holistic care to children in poverty so they are free to learn, grow, play and dream.