While Corey Sevier and Vanessa Lengies first met as child actors, the Hallmark stars reconnected for 2020's "Heart of the Holiday," playing high school sweethearts who reunite after Lengies' character returns home from the big city. Then, they worked together on the 2023 movie "Take Me Back for Christmas," which casts them as a husband and wife duo who are separated by a holiday wish with unexpected consequences.

Beyond starring in the movies, Sevier directed both titles, while his wife Kate Pragnell is credited as the writer. When talking with the Loves and Latte Podcast, the "Noel Next Door" star opened up about his decision to cast his long-time friend as the leading lady in "Take Me Back For Christmas." "Vanessa came to mind because of the experience we have working together [and] our friendship for so many years," he explained, adding that his co-star is also a super-talented actor.

In a Just Jared interview, Sevier similarly discussed his experience working with Lengies, mentioning their friendship as important to their on-screen connection. "In both films that we've done together, the characters that we played had history, and that was important. In 'Heart of the Holidays,' it had been a long time [for us], which actually sort of ironically mirrored us in real life," the actor explained, mentioning that work and family took the friends in different directions before they reunited on set. "That was very much a good way to reconnect on 'Heart of the Holidays.'"