Antonio Cupo has been immersed in the Hallmark world since 2012. That year, he starred in “Love at the Thanksgiving Parade” alongside Autumn Reeser. Since then, he’s starred in, produced, or made cameo appearances in many more Hallmark films. He even co-wrote 2023’s “A World Record Christmas,” starring Nikki DeLoach and Lucas Bryant.
For those who don’t watch Hallmark films, they’re an easy target to make fun of. Detractors claim that they’re sappy or unrealistic. However, even if those things are true, so what? They’re doing what they’re supposed to: taking you to a place that feels happy and safe. Recently, Cupo appeared on the “Italian American” podcast. He gave his take on why he thinks the Hallmark stigma has worn off and how the films are geared towards everyone.
Hallmark Movies: The Universal Guilty Pleasure
Cupo may have started his Hallmark career as an actor, but he eventually moved on to producing, as well. Since 2019, he’s been a producer or executive producer of 14 Hallmark movies.
“The things that we have to do to fulfill the idea of the network is exactly what we want to see as people,” Cupo said. He explained that the films have universal appeal, making them appropriate for people of any age.
“There are no themes, certainly at Christmas, that are too heavy or too much to take for either a 5-year-old or someone who just wants to sort of lose their mind in a movie for a couple hours.”
“Whenever I speak to anyone about Hallmark movies, they say the same thing. ‘Oh, I love those movies,” he continued. “You kind of [expect] some people to go like, ‘Well, you know, we don’t watch those kind of movies,’ or ‘my aunt watches those movies.’ But I feel like across the board, even for guys, it’s kind of like a little bit of a guilty pleasure to just go sort of fall into one of these movies and allow yourself to that distraction for a while.”
No Plot Too Complicated: The Low-Stakes Perfection of Hallmark Movies
Cupo added that one of his favorite things about Hallmark movies is that you can briefly leave the room, and when you come back, you won’t be lost.
“If you got up to make yourself a sandwich, you wouldn’t 100% miss the plot,” he explained. “It’s not difficult to understand, and I really love that.”
“We specifically try to make movies that feel good,” he added. “And they’re supposed to sort of transport you when you’re watching them to a better place.”
I agree. I have cancer and am fighting to live. I was told to not get upset or anxious. My solution has been to watch ALL Hallmark movies. I never have to worry or be anxious. I am so grateful for them and have recently enjoyed all of the Christmas films. Thank you Antonio. I love the movies you are in. I also love your chemistry with Autumn (Sorrry. My spellcheck keeps trying to make it Reeses)
I am an avid Hallmark movie fan and have enjoyed Antonio in all of his movies. Thank you to this great actor for continuing with Hallmark and look forward to his next endeavor!