“I’ve said this a million times, I’ll keep saying it. I love making Hallmark movies. I love it,” Luke MacFarlane told TV Goodness. It’s a good thing, too, since the longtime Hallmark hunk’s 18th film with the network, “Caught By Love,” is premiering on Saturday, Jan. 24.
Even with his consistent Hallmark schedule, MacFarlane always has many other projects in the works. He’s been co-starring with Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne on the Apple TV+ series “Platonic” since 2023; he’s about to start filming “Into the Deep Blue,” and he has four other movies and TV shows in various stages of production. Keeping busy with other work helps keep his “gratitude for Hallmark really strong.”
“So when they do call and they say, ‘Come play with us,’ I say yes because it’s always one of the most joyful kinds of experiences I get to have as an actor,” he said.
Luke MacFarlane Praises Co-Star’ Cook’s ‘No-Nonsense’ Professionalism
In “Caught By Love,” MacFarlane plays Jake, a private eye who’s trying to find a jewel thief. Annie is played by Rachael Leigh Cook, a resort guest who is drawn into the investigation and to Jake. The film is reminiscent of 1955’s classic “To Catch a Thief,” starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.
“I really liked the script [by Marcy Holland] off the bat,” MacFarlane said. “It felt a little old-fashioned. I’m used to seeing the movie through the female lead’s eyes and I do feel like this was as close as they come to being kind of 50/50.”
The rom-com marks the first time he and Cook have starred in a movie together. However, she’s starred in quite a few Hallmark films as well, like “Rescuing Christmas” and “‘Tis the Season to be Merry.”
“Rachael was great. I immediately thought, ‘Oh, I like her.’ She’s a lot of fun,” the “Catch Me If You Claus” star said. “And she has that kind of no-nonsense professionalism of someone who understands we’re going to make a high-stakes action movie in 13 days. We move pretty quickly, and you’ve got to look after yourself.”
Luke MacFarlane Took a Deep Dive Into Malta’s History While Filming Rom-Com
Lately, Hallmark has been stretching its wings, filming in far-off, exotic locations. “Love on the Amazon” was filmed in the Amazon, while the “Lost in Paradise” cast went to Fiji. For architecture buff MacFarlane, visiting Malta was quite a memorable experience.
“I had to look on a map where Malta was,” he said. “But then of course I fell in love and started to understand the history and the culture of it.”
“I got everything that I want from a vacation as far as finding the history,” he continued. “I got lost with an audio book in my ear the entire time on the treadmill in the morning before I went to set, trying to understand this place, the religious histories, specifically, the amazing artwork, the baroque and rococo architecture that came out of there. It was fascinating. I loved it.”
This another Hallmark actor that is easy to watch. He also has a sense of humor. These are the actors/actresses that the viewers who made Hallmark the #1 watched cable channel loved to watch in movies. So glad to hear that he feels the way he does – hopefully Hallmark will use the loyal actors that gt them where they are.
Rachel Lee Cook is my least fav Hallmark star. She always looks sad, angry, upset.
Hallmark is ALWAYS my happy place. Luke and Rachel did great together. It’s wonderful to see all the different actors is all the different stories and they always look like they are having a great time just doing what they love to do. To have a favorite, can’t do that as I engage with all of them. They are the best and leave it to Hallmark to go on adventures now. Love the scenery of all the new places I’ve never been to but now can see a little of each country. Thanks Hallmark for all the happy and adventures. Love the mysteries and wish there were more of them. Loved all the series. When I finish my classes (fitness specialist) I always say “Make it a Hallmark Day”/