The story of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift has dominated every conversation one way or another for more than a year. Now a holiday movie is being made on their relationship by Lifetime.
However, NFL fans have shown their displeasure regarding the upcoming film “Christmas in the Spotlight.” Chief among their issues is that the actor cast to play Kelce is the same one playing Rob Gronkowski in the show American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s Romantic Flick Has the Presence of Rob Gronkowski
On Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter detailed the first look at Lifetime’s upcoming film based on the relationship between the football star and the pop icon. “Lifetime‘s Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-inspired holiday movie ‘Christmas in the Spotlight’ — centering on a pop star who hasn’t found Mr. Right, until she meets a professional football player backstage at one of her shows — has released its first look,” they tweeted.
Lifetime‘s Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-inspired holiday movie 'Christmas in the Spotlight'–centering on a pop star who hasn’t found Mr. Right, until she meets a professional football player backstage at one of her shows–has released its first look https://t.co/TRQvqdDWGz pic.twitter.com/ZAp5l40z4C
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 15, 2024
However, fans were surprised to see a familiar face in the first look of the film. Laith Wallschleger’s performance as Gronk in the show focused on the life and death of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez has already been praised by fans. “Is this Gronk from the Aaron Hernandez show?” replied one fan.
Is this Gronk from the Aaron Hernandez show? @PFTCommenter
— AG 🧀🍻🦌 (@ARodney13) October 16, 2024
However, the fans apart from not liking the premise of the TV movie, disagreed with the casting choice as well. “Gronk does not need to be Kelce,” tweeted one fan.
“WTF?!?! they used the Gronk guy?!? That makes it even more cringe,” replied one fan.
WTF?!?! they used the Gronk guy?!? That makes it even more cringe. https://t.co/cu4ZA49KOC
— MDuke ❤️💛 (@Duke12MD) October 16, 2024
“Wait a second…Fake Gronk is also gonna play Fake Kelce? I’m calling the police,” tweeted a fan.
Wait a second…Fake Gronk is also gonna play Fake Kelce? I'm calling the police https://t.co/aWmbJUEftn pic.twitter.com/wmKGLMfDlg
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) October 15, 2024
Some fans pointed out that Wallschleger will once again be playing as a tight end, and he might end up being type-casted.
“He plays ‘big talented football player frat guy with a soft spot’ well,” tweeted one fan.
“Some may say this guy is the greatest fake tight end of all-time,” tweeted another fan.
Some may say this guy is the greatest fake tight end of all-time
— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) October 15, 2024
The Actor Playing Travis Kelce Almost Played in the NFL
One reason why the 32-year-old Wallschleger is Hollywood’s current choice for “big football dude” roles could be because the actor has ample football experience under his belt. He played as a defensive lineman for the University of Delaware and was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an UDFA.
Wallschleger, however, could not make the 53-man roster. He then went on to play for the Jacksonville Sharks in the AFL. After that Wallschleger pursued his other dream of acting and is now finding success as well.