Daniel Lissing Opens Up About His Role in Single on the 25th
Hallmark fans, we were treated to something special this week: a full podcaster press junket with Daniel Lissing, the star of Hallmark’s newest holiday film Single on the 25th. Joined by a group of Hallmark focused podcasters, Daniel spoke openly about his character, the making of the movie, and what it feels like to be back with Hallmark after some time away.
He was warm, funny, thoughtful, and generous with behind the scenes details. Here is everything you will want to know.
Daniel Lissing on What Makes Single on the 25th Different
One of the biggest takeaways from the junket was that this is not the typical Hallmark setup where two people meet and instantly spark. Daniel explained that he loved how Cooper and Nell begin as two people who are not looking for romance and are not trying to fix each other.
Cooper arrives in the story with a fully formed philosophy. He believes being single is not a problem that needs solving.
“I gave him a backstory that wasn’t on the page. This is a guy who is genuinely content being on his own. He is filling up his cup. He doesn’t need anyone.”
Daniel said he enjoyed playing a character with an edge and with some internal conflict.
“I like that Cooper has an edge. He loosens up with Nell. Those different energies were great to play.”
Chemistry and the Power of Quiet Moments
Several podcasters commented on the movie’s intimate, grounded scenes between Cooper and Nell. Daniel clearly loved filming them. Working with Lindsay Fonseca allowed him to play with natural beats and real emotional pauses.
Director Jonathan Wright encouraged both actors to have fun and trust their instincts.
“We milked it. We sat in those moments. The awkwardness and the silence are real relationship beats.”
Daniel also shared that they ad libbed certain exchanges and let the camera capture authentic reactions that were not originally in the script.
A Look Behind the Scenes
If you noticed the elevated look of the apartments, offices, and restaurants, there is a reason. Everything was shot on location.
“We didn’t shoot on sets. Every restaurant, bar, and apartment was a real place. It elevates everything.”
Daniel also described how much work went into filming the movie’s large family party scene. What appears seamless on screen required hours of choreography, lighting changes, and camera resets.
“It took about ten hours. We took it one bite at a time. That is what my dad always said. How do you eat an elephant. One bite at a time.”
Funny and Memorable Junket Moments
There were plenty of laughs throughout the hour. These were the standout moments.
The Leaf Blower Incident
Daniel began the interview apologizing because someone was leaf blowing directly outside his window. No one could hear it, which quickly turned the whole thing into a running joke.
The Social Skills Tip
When asked how to survive small talk, Daniel offered this advice.
“Be curious. Do not put the pressure on yourself. Put it on them.”
Australian Holiday Traditions
He confirmed that Australians do not say “shrimp on the barbie.” They do, however, eat prawns at Christmas while listening to songs about snow in eighty degree weather.
His Rom Com Favorites
He admitted that he loves cheese filled nineties rom coms and that he cries at movies. His top titles include French Kiss, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
Returning to Hallmark
Daniel shared how meaningful it was to return to the Hallmark family after focusing on writing and producing for a few years. Working with Erin Krakow again and meeting new collaborators has been a highlight.
He also hinted that he is pitching new projects for next year.
“I hope our relationship continues to grow. As an actor and in other ways too.”
The Scene He Wants Fans to Watch Closely
Daniel singled out the college reunion mixer scene where Cooper and Nell dance and talk honestly about relationships.
“There is so much going on beneath the surface. She gets to him a little and he lets his guard down.”
He also spoke about the final scene, describing it as a moment of true vulnerability for Cooper.
A Meaningful Message for Anyone Spending the Holidays Alone
One of the most heartfelt moments came when Daniel was asked what he hopes this movie offers people who may be alone during the holidays. His answer was thoughtful and sincere.
“Fill your own cup. Happiness does not exist out there. It exists in here. When you feel full you can share that with the world.”
A Backstory Easter Egg
Daniel also shared a detail that never appears in the script. Cooper avoids sitting in the corner of a restaurant because he was once heartbreakingly dumped in a corner booth. It explains his protectiveness and his approach to relationships.
“He was broken up with in the corner of a restaurant. It broke him. That is why he walks in and says we are not sitting there.”
Why Single on the 25th Might Be His Favorite Hallmark Movie
Daniel was clear about how much he loves this film. The characters have opposing viewpoints about relationships, which creates real tension and growth.
“Nell grows outward. Cooper grows inward. That contrast makes the movie rewatchable.”
It is the kind of modern, character centered holiday storytelling that Hallmark fans appreciate.
Watch the Full Interview with Daniel Lissing
Podcasters Who Attended the Junket
- Chat with Roxanne
- Heart in Motion Podcast
- Suspenders Unbuttoned
- Romcom Love
- Hallmarkies Podcast
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