Holland Roden Guides Matthew Daddario in His Hallmark Movie Debut

When two fan-favorite stars from the world of supernatural TV collide on a Hallmark holiday set, you can bet something special’s gonna happen. In Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, Matthew Daddario and Holland Roden mix festive romance, football fandom, and a hefty dose of small-town nostalgia.

But honestly, this project was more than just another cozy holiday flick. It was a learning curve, a genre reunion, and a celebration of teamwork both on and off the field.

Daddario, in his very first Hallmark role, found himself in new territory. Roden stepped up as his guide, mentor, and partner-in-crime on set, helping him figure out the whirlwind that is Hallmark filmmaking.

Their chemistry, both as actors and as colleagues, has fans buzzing. Their story of collaboration is nearly as heartwarming as the movie itself—maybe even more so, depending on who you ask.

Holland Roden Passes the Hallmark Torch

For Holland Roden, Hallmark feels almost like a second home now. She made her debut in Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas back in 2022 and quickly picked up on the network’s famously brisk production style.

Landing the role of Dr. Morgan Quinn in Holiday Touchdown, she was ready to help her new co-star get the hang of things. Roden remembers leaning on Tyler Hynes for advice during her own first Hallmark gig—this time, she got to pay it forward.

She called the experience “passing the torch.” There’s a real camaraderie on these sets, honestly. Roden praised Daddario’s professionalism and team spirit, saying they quickly found a rhythm that mirrored their characters’ shared history.

The result? You can actually believe the connection you see on screen. It feels real, not forced.

Learning the Hallmark Way

Hallmark films move fast—like, really fast. Daddario was surprised by how different that pace was from his previous projects.

He’s used to fantasy TV, where episodes take weeks to perfect. Here, he had to shoot nearly 100 pages in three weeks. It was a challenge, but he dove in.

Having Roden’s prior Hallmark experience right there helped him keep up and stay grounded. Daddario described the process as “significant”—actors have to bring a certain energy to match the tempo.

For him, it became a professional milestone. He got to stretch his creative muscles in a totally new environment.

From Shadowhunters to the Hallmark Universe

Both Daddario and Roden have deep roots in supernatural TV—he played Alec Lightwood in Shadowhunters, she was Lydia Martin in Teen Wolf. That shared history gave them an instant bond.

They joked about the “Greek life vibe” of genre TV, calling it a fraternity or sorority. Actors in those worlds just get each other—intense fandoms, wild schedules, all of it.

That connection carried over into their new roles, giving their on-screen friendship and romance a lived-in quality. Daddario called it “a brotherhood in a way.”

They drew on past experiences to create something that feels fresh but still familiar. Holiday Touchdown became a bridge between their supernatural worlds and the wholesome storytelling of Hallmark.

How the Supernatural Past Shaped Their Chemistry

It’s not every day that actors known for fighting demons and werewolves end up tackling holiday cheer and football. That contrast is part of what makes their pairing so much fun.

Their supernatural pasts gave them discipline, timing, and emotional depth—skills that translated beautifully into their new characters. Daddario’s grounded intensity as Gabe DeLuca and Roden’s warmth as Morgan Quinn just work together.

A Hallmark Story with a Football Twist

At the heart of Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story is a premise that blends two beloved American traditions: football and Christmas. The story follows two families—the DeLucas and the Quinns—who’ve lived side by side near Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium for decades.

Daddario’s Gabe, now a VP of stadium development for the Bills, has always carried a quiet affection for childhood friend Morgan. When Morgan discovers her uncle’s been receiving mysterious Christmas gifts from an anonymous benefactor for over sixty years, she sets out to solve the mystery.

Gabe steps in to help orchestrate a surprise that brings both families together. The finale tugs at the heart, no doubt about it.

The film captures the spirit of community and the joy of giving. The Buffalo Bills are the perfect backdrop for a story about loyalty, love, and legacy.

Daddario was all in from the start—he called it “the quickest yes” of his career. Hallmark, the NFL, and the Bills? Hard to say no to that combo.

Why the Buffalo Setting Matters

For Roden, filming in Buffalo was a highlight. She described the city as “rowdy, self-deprecating, and fun.”

The authenticity of the location added real depth, grounding the romance in a community with genuine spirit. It’s a twist for Hallmark, which usually leans on fictional small towns.

This time, the energy of Bills fans and the upstate New York chill gave the movie some real personality. Roden had nothing but good things to say about the Hallmark crew, too—she called them consummate professionals who thrive under pressure.

The fast pace keeps everyone sharp and focused, and for an actress who loves high-energy environments, it was the perfect playground.

The Perfect Holiday Matchup

What makes Holiday Touchdown stand out? It somehow merges the high-stakes world of football with the heartwarming charm of holiday storytelling.

The film’s not just about romance. It’s about family, community pride, and the ways people come together when it matters most.

Daddario and Roden bring authenticity and a little humor to their roles. Their characters feel familiar—like the neighbor next door, or the childhood friend you never quite forgot.

For longtime fans, this pairing is a treat. It’s a chance to see them trading supernatural battles for snowball fights, and dark fantasy sets for twinkling Christmas lights.

Their chemistry, built on mutual respect and shared experience, gives the film a warmth that lingers long after the credits roll.

Why This Film Could Be a Hallmark Classic

With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and an authentic setting, *Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story* really feels like it could become a Hallmark staple. Daddario’s first turn in the network’s world has already gotten some buzz for his natural charm and obvious enthusiasm.

Roden, meanwhile, keeps standing out as one of Hallmark’s most engaging new stars. Together, they capture the spirit of the season—honestly, sometimes the best holiday gifts show up in the form of unexpected collaborations, don’t they?

The film premieres on Hallmark Channel on November 22 at 8 p.m. ET and streams the next day on Hallmark+. Fans can expect a story that celebrates love, family, and the power of community.

Whether you’re a football fanatic, a holiday movie devotee, or just someone who wants a good love story, this one promises plenty of festive feels. There’s a little extra heart here, thanks to two stars who know how to light up the screen.