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for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone to Co-Direct and Star in 'Drummer Boy' Movie Musical
The Christmas song has inspired a new film about two brothers on opposite sides of the Revolutionary War.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:51am
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The sparkling textures and high-fashion aesthetic of 'Drummer Boy' aim to capture the celebratory energy of a new Christmas movie musical.Washington TodayJoel Smallbone of the Australian duo for KING + COUNTRY will co-direct and star in a new movie musical called Drummer Boy, which is inspired by the group's hit holiday song. The film, set to release on November 6, is described as a 'Christmas musical about two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the American Revolutionary War.'
Why it matters
for KING + COUNTRY's version of 'The Little Drummer Boy' has become a modern Christmas classic, returning to the charts every holiday season. The new movie musical will bring the song's themes of family, faith, and the American spirit to the big screen.
The details
Joel Smallbone will co-direct Drummer Boy with his brother Ben Smallbone. The two are part of a family of seven Smallbone siblings, including Joel's bandmate Luke Smallbone. The film's press release states that the 'fabric of the film' is 'a nation built on 250 years of independence' and 'a Christmas story that began over 2,000 years ago.'
- Drummer Boy is set to hit theaters on November 6, 2026.
- Joel Smallbone also has a role in the film Young Washington, which will be released on Independence Day weekend 2026.
The players
Joel Smallbone
One half of the Australian Christian pop duo for KING + COUNTRY, who will co-direct and star in the new movie musical Drummer Boy.
Ben Smallbone
Joel Smallbone's brother, who will co-direct Drummer Boy with him.
Luke Smallbone
Joel Smallbone's bandmate in the group for KING + COUNTRY, and one of seven Smallbone siblings.
What they’re saying
“We're humbled beyond words to bring it to life.”
— Joel and Ben Smallbone, Co-directors of Drummer Boy
The takeaway
The Smallbone brothers are leveraging the success of for KING + COUNTRY's hit holiday song to bring a new Christmas musical to the big screen, blending their family's musical talents with themes of faith, patriotism, and the American spirit.
