The wait for Virgin River Season 7 feels endless for fans of Netflix’s beloved romantic drama, but there’s a silver lining to tide us over: one of the show’s standout stars has just snagged a heartwarming role in a brand-new Christmas movie. Benjamin Hollingsworth, who plays the brooding yet redeemable Dan Brady on Virgin River, is set to charm audiences in The Christmas Ring, an upcoming holiday film based on a fresh novel by bestselling author Karen Kingsbury. As the streaming giant gears up for Season 6’s premiere on December 19, 2025, and teases the emotional rollercoaster of Season 7, Hollingsworth’s festive detour offers a cozy escape into yuletide romance. With a plot blending wartime history, family heirlooms, and modern-day love, this movie promises to be the perfect feel-good watch. Let’s dive deep into the details, from Hollingsworth’s Virgin River legacy to the magic behind Kingsbury’s latest book adaptation, and why this project has fans buzzing with excitement.

The Enduring Appeal of Virgin River: Why We’re All Waiting for Season 7

Virgin River, based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novel series, has become a Netflix staple since its 2019 debut, blending small-town charm, steamy romance, and heartfelt drama in the fictional Northern California town. The show centers on Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse practitioner who relocates to Virgin River for a fresh start, only to find love with local bar owner Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) amid a web of secrets, scandals, and community bonds. Over five seasons, it’s amassed a devoted fanbase, with Season 5 drawing 13.6 million views in its first week and consistently ranking in Netflix’s Top 10.

Season 6, slated for release on December 19, 2025, promises to pick up from the dramatic cliffhangers of Season 5, including Mel and Jack’s wedding plans, Doc Mullins’ (Tim Matheson) health scares, and the ongoing turmoil surrounding Brady’s relationships. Netflix has already confirmed Season 7, with filming underway in Vancouver, Canada. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith teased “deeper explorations of family dynamics and unexpected twists” in a recent interview with TVLine, hinting at more focus on characters like Brady, whose arc has evolved from troubled veteran to a man seeking redemption. Fans on X are abuzz, with posts like “Can’t wait for Season 7—Brady deserves happiness!” reflecting the emotional investment.

Amid this anticipation, Benjamin Hollingsworth’s announcement of his role in The Christmas Ring feels like a timely gift. Hollingsworth, 40, has been a fixture on Virgin River since Season 1, portraying Dan Brady as a complex anti-hero. Initially introduced as Jack’s Marine buddy with a shady past, Brady’s journey has included prison time, romantic entanglements with Brie Sheridan (Zibby Allen), and brushes with the town’s criminal underbelly. Hollingsworth’s nuanced performance—balancing rugged charm with vulnerability—has made Brady a fan favorite. “Ben brings such depth to Brady,” one X user tweeted. “He’s the bad boy with a heart of gold.”

Hollingsworth’s off-screen life mirrors his character’s grounded vibe. Born in Brockville, Ontario, he studied acting at the National Theatre School of Canada before breaking into TV with roles in Suits and The Tomorrow People. Married to lingerie designer Nila Myers since 2012, he’s a father of three and often shares family moments on Instagram. His casting in The Christmas Ring marks another chapter in his holiday movie repertoire, following Hallmark hits like A Godwink Christmas (2018) and The Santa Summit (2023). But this project stands out for its literary roots and star-studded cast.

Introducing The Christmas Ring: A Heartwarming Holiday Tale

The Christmas Ring, set for a theatrical release on November 6, 2025, via Fathom Events, is a production of Karen Kingsbury Productions and Fathom Entertainment. Directed by Tyler Russell (Someone Like You, 2024) and produced by Natalie Ruffino Wilson (The Christmas Challenge, 2022), the film adapts Kingsbury’s upcoming novel of the same name, hitting shelves on October 21, 2025 (or October 26 in some reports). Filming is currently underway in Nashville, Tennessee, where Hollingsworth posted an Instagram video on July 24, 2025, exclaiming, “I’m doing a Christmas movie!” amid sweltering summer heat. “This one’s timeless,” he added. “You’ll be able to watch it for many Christmases to come.”

The plot weaves a multi-generational romance with historical undertones. Jana Kramer (One Tree Hill, Dancing with the Stars) stars as Vanessa Mayfield, a widow of a U.S. Armed Forces member, on a quest to recover her family’s lost Christmas ring—a cherished heirloom with deep sentimental value. Her search leads her to Ben Miller, a charming antique dealer played by Hollingsworth, whose father, Howard (likely portrayed by Kelsey Grammer), may have unknowingly acquired the ring. The story spans decades, flashing back to the French countryside during World War II, where the ring’s origins unfold, before returning to present-day Columbus, Georgia, a military town that adds layers of patriotism and loss.

Kingsbury, a prolific Christian fiction author with over 25 million books sold, described the tale as “a Christmas love story like those of days gone by,” drawing inspiration from classics like While You Were Sleeping (1995), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Holiday (1938), and You’ve Got Mail (1998). In a statement on her website, she emphasized themes of faith, family, and second chances: “This is a story about love that endures through war, loss, and time.” Autographed copies of the book are available for pre-order, along with a custom replica of the Christmas ring, fueling fan excitement.

The film’s production emphasizes family-friendly values, aligning with Kingsbury’s brand. Russell, who previously adapted Kingsbury’s Someone Like You, aims to capture the book’s emotional core while infusing cinematic warmth. Wilson, known for uplifting holiday fare, ensures the movie appeals to Hallmark veterans and newcomers alike. With a runtime expected around 90 minutes, The Christmas Ring positions itself as a cozy addition to the holiday movie slate, potentially streaming on platforms like Prime Video post-theatrical run, given Kingsbury’s prior adaptations.

Benjamin Hollingsworth’s Role: From Brady’s Drama to Holiday Charm

Hollingsworth’s casting as Ben Miller is a perfect fit, allowing him to showcase his romantic leading-man side. In Virgin River, Brady’s storyline often delves into darker territories—PTSD from his Marine days, legal troubles, and turbulent relationships. Hollingsworth has spoken about the role’s demands in interviews, telling Parade in 2023, “Brady’s complexity keeps me on my toes. He’s flawed, but that’s what makes him relatable.” Fans appreciate his chemistry with co-stars like Allen, whose Brie navigates her own traumas alongside Brady.

In The Christmas Ring, Hollingsworth trades small-town intrigue for festive romance. As Ben, he’s the affable antique dealer who helps Vanessa unravel the ring’s mystery, sparking an unexpected connection. Early set photos show him in cozy sweaters, exuding warmth opposite Kramer’s determined widow. Grammer, the Frasier legend, adds gravitas as the father figure, potentially delivering poignant monologues about legacy and love. Hollingsworth teased the project’s appeal on Instagram: “Working with amazing actors like Jana and Kelsey—mark your calendars!”

This role bolsters Hollingsworth’s holiday movie credentials. A Hallmark regular, he’s starred in Jingle Bell Bride (2020) and An Easter Bloom (2024), often playing the dependable love interest. The Christmas Ring elevates this with its literary pedigree and ensemble cast. Kramer, a country singer and actress with Hallmark ties (Love at First Bark, 2017), brings her own fanbase, while Grammer’s sitcom icon status (Cheers, Frasier) promises humor amid the sentiment. The trio’s dynamic could mirror successful holiday ensembles like The Holiday (2006) or Love Actually (2003), blending laughter, tears, and romance.

Karen Kingsbury’s Literary World: Faith, Family, and Festive Magic

Karen Kingsbury, 61, is a powerhouse in inspirational fiction, with series like The Baxters (adapted into a Prime Video show in 2024) inspiring millions. Her books emphasize Christian values, redemption, and family bonds, often drawing from real-life experiences. The Christmas Ring is her latest standalone novel, crafted as a timeless tale. In a press release, Kingsbury shared, “I wanted to create a story that honors our veterans and celebrates the enduring power of love.” The book’s WWII flashbacks add historical depth, exploring how the ring symbolizes hope amid adversity.

Kingsbury’s adaptations have a track record of success. Someone Like You (2024), starring Jake Allyn and Sarah Fisher, grossed $6 million on a modest budget, praised for its faith-based messaging. The Baxters, starring Ted McGinley and Roma Downey, aired one season on Prime Video, focusing on family trials. The Christmas Ring continues this trend, with Kingsbury involved as an executive producer to ensure fidelity to her vision. Fans of her work are pre-ordering the book en masse, with her website offering bundles including the replica ring—a clever marketing tie-in that could boost sales.

The film’s faith elements set it apart from secular holiday fare. While Hallmark movies like Christmas in Evergreen emphasize romance, Kingsbury’s stories weave in prayer, forgiveness, and divine intervention. Hollingsworth, a Christian himself, aligns with this ethos; he’s spoken about faith guiding his career in podcasts like The Jesus Calling Podcast. This synergy could attract Virgin River viewers, who appreciate the show’s themes of healing and community.

Fan Reactions and Career Impact for Hollingsworth

News of Hollingsworth’s casting has ignited social media. On X, fans posted, “Brady in a Christmas movie? Yes please! Can’t wait for The Christmas Ring while binging Virgin River.” Instagram comments on his announcement video overflow with hearts: “From Virgin River drama to holiday cheer—Ben does it all!” The overlap between Virgin River’s romantic fans and holiday movie enthusiasts is significant, potentially driving viewership for both.

For Hollingsworth, this role diversifies his portfolio amid Virgin River’s ongoing success. With Season 7 confirmed, his Brady arc could explore fatherhood or reconciliation, mirroring the family themes in The Christmas Ring. He’s expressed gratitude for the show’s longevity in a Us Weekly interview: “Virgin River changed my life—it’s a family on and off screen.” Balancing Netflix commitments with holiday projects showcases his versatility, much like co-stars Breckenridge (This Is Us) and Henderson (Grey’s Anatomy).

What This Means for Holiday Movie Season and Beyond

The Christmas Ring arrives amid a crowded 2025 holiday lineup, including Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas and Netflix’s A Nanny for Christmas. Its theatrical release via Fathom Events—known for limited engagements like The Chosen—could build buzz for a streaming rollout. With Kingsbury’s fanbase and the star power of Grammer (whose Frasier reboot thrives on Paramount+), the film has crossover potential.

As we await Virgin River Season 7, Hollingsworth’s festive foray offers a delightful distraction. It highlights how stars from binge-worthy series can shine in feel-good films, bridging genres and audiences. Whether you’re curling up with Kingsbury’s book or marking November 6 on your calendar, The Christmas Ring promises holiday magic—and a reminder that love, like a cherished ring, can endure through time.