for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone to Co-Direct and Star in 'Drummer Boy' Movie Musical

The film is inspired by the band's popular holiday song and will hit theaters this November.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a luxurious, sparkling red sequin texture, capturing the high-fashion glamour and festive spirit of a Christmas movie musical.The upcoming holiday film 'Drummer Boy' promises to bring the dazzle and energy of a classic Christmas musical to the big screen.NYC Today

Joel Smallbone, one half of the Australian duo for KING + COUNTRY, will co-direct and star in a new Christmas musical film titled 'Drummer Boy.' The movie, which is set during the American Revolutionary War, is inspired by the band's hit holiday song of the same name that has been charting every holiday season for the past few years.

Why it matters

The Smallbone brothers, who make up for KING + COUNTRY, have built a loyal fanbase through their inspirational pop music. Bringing one of their most popular songs to the big screen as a holiday movie musical is an ambitious project that could further expand their reach and influence, especially during the lucrative Christmas season.

The details

Joel Smallbone will co-direct the film alongside his brother Ben Smallbone. The movie is described as a 'Christmas musical about two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the American Revolutionary War.' The Smallbone brothers say 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.' Joel Smallbone also has a role in another upcoming historical film called 'Young Washington' that features an all-star cast.

  • The film 'Drummer Boy' is set to hit theaters on November 6, 2026.
  • Joel Smallbone attended the New York premiere of the film 'The Unbreakable Boy' on February 19, 2025.

The players

Joel Smallbone

One half of the Australian Christian pop duo for KING + COUNTRY, who will co-direct and star in the upcoming holiday film 'Drummer Boy.'

Ben Smallbone

Joel Smallbone's brother, who will co-direct the film 'Drummer Boy' with him.

for KING + COUNTRY

An Australian Christian pop duo consisting of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, whose hit holiday song 'The Little Drummer Boy' inspired the new film 'Drummer Boy.'

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What they’re saying

“We're humbled beyond words to bring it to life.”

— Joel and Ben Smallbone, Co-directors of 'Drummer Boy'

“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.”

— Joel and Ben Smallbone, Co-directors of 'Drummer Boy'

What’s next

The film 'Drummer Boy' is scheduled to hit theaters on November 6, 2026, just in time for the holiday season.

The takeaway

The Smallbone brothers are leveraging their musical success with for KING + COUNTRY to expand into the film industry, bringing their inspirational Christmas song to life on the big screen. This project could help broaden the duo's fanbase and cement their status as one of the top Christian pop acts.