Stars of ‘Three Wisest Men’ Challenge Hallmark Norms in New Film

The stars of the upcoming film Three Wisest Men, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell, are making strides in redefining traditional storytelling within the Hallmark franchise. They emphasize how the film, set to premiere on November 15, 2024, breaks away from conventional norms in favor of delivering relatable narratives that resonate with modern audiences.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Campbell, 46, remarked, “The reason that people keep coming back to these movies — largely as much as they’re fun — is because they do reflect the human experience.” He highlighted the film’s approach to depicting life as “messy and imperfect,” moving away from the polished portrayals typically found in Hallmark productions. His co-star Hynes, 39, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of presenting characters who are striving to navigate their imperfections.

The Three Wisest Men trilogy began in 2022, featuring Campbell, Hynes, and Andrew Walker as brothers Stephan, Taylor, and Luke Brenner. The storyline revolves around their chaotic lives after Luke brings home an abandoned baby. The film not only became Hallmark’s most-watched movie of that year but also laid the groundwork for its sequels, including Three Wiser Men and a Boy in 2024 and the current installment, which marks the conclusion of the trilogy.

The franchise has been noted for its boundary-pushing narratives. For instance, the first film depicted a mother who faces overwhelming challenges yet ultimately finds love with Walker’s character, Luke. The third film continues this trend by exploring contemporary issues, such as Taylor’s dilemma about moving to San Francisco with his girlfriend, Caroline. Their relationship, which does not conform to the traditional Hallmark expectation of engagement or marriage before cohabitation, reflects a more realistic portrayal of modern relationships.

Campbell emphasized the need to humanize characters, stating, “Not everybody waits until they’re married to move in, that’s not accurate.” This commitment to authenticity is a hallmark of the trilogy, driven largely by the creative vision of Kimberly Sustad, who co-wrote the films. Hynes credited Sustad for her relentless pursuit of an accurate depiction of humanity throughout the production process.

Hallmark has received praise for its evolving approach to diversity and inclusion, allowing the Three Wisest Men franchise to explore narratives that may have been previously uncomfortable for the network. Campbell noted, “While not everybody’s going to love that storyline, Hallmark has been really great about letting us tell that because it’s necessary to sort of diversify in the way that we tell stories.”

Both actors acknowledged the collaborative spirit on set, attributing the success of the films to the collective effort of the cast and crew. Hynes recognized Campbell’s pivotal role in shaping the narrative and character development, calling him the “MVP of these movies.” He described Campbell’s ability to create an open environment for creativity, which fosters a unique chemistry among the cast.

Campbell’s contributions were also highlighted, with Hynes likening him to an NFL quarterback. “He’s the Patrick Mahomes of the movie,” Hynes joked, before acknowledging the intricacies involved in producing a film that resonates with audiences. The collaboration between Campbell, Hynes, Walker, and Sustad has created a distinct flavor that sets the Three Wisest Men films apart from traditional holiday fare.

As the premiere date approaches, the anticipation surrounding Three Wisest Men indicates that the film is set to challenge and redefine the expectations of Hallmark movies, delivering a fresh take on the complexities of family life and love. The commitment to authentic storytelling is likely to resonate with audiences seeking more than just a standard holiday film experience.