As Virgin River fans eagerly count down the days until season 7 drops on Netflix, the cast continues to keep audiences buzzing with exciting updates both on and off the set. With filming for

the upcoming season officially wrapped in June 2025, anticipation for the small-town drama has reached fever pitch. And while season 8 is already confirmed—cementing

Virgin River as the longest-running scripted drama in Netflix’s history—one of its most beloved stars has some holiday magic to share that is guaranteed to warm fans’ hearts.

Benjamin Hollingsworth, who has captivated audiences as the complicated and often misunderstood Brady, is trading in the rugged charm of Virgin River for something a little more festive. The actor has landed a starring role in The Christmas Ring, a brand-new feature film based on Karen Kingsbury’s latest best-selling novel. For fans of both Virgin River and heartwarming holiday romances, this news feels like the perfect gift wrapped under the tree.

Hollingsworth is no stranger to spreading Christmas cheer on screen. A familiar face in Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas lineup, he has starred in several cozy seasonal romances that showcase his natural ability to blend heartfelt emotion with leading-man charisma. But this time, his holiday role is set to be bigger than ever before.

The Christmas Ring will not only mark Hollingsworth’s return to holiday storytelling but also elevate him to the big screen in what promises to be a deeply moving and nostalgic Christmas tale. Joining him in the star-studded cast are Jana Kramer, widely known for her breakout role on One Tree Hill and her thriving career as a country music artist, along with Emmy-winning legend Kelsey Grammer, best remembered for his iconic performance as Dr. Frasier Crane.

The combination of these three talents alone is enough to make The Christmas Ring one of the most anticipated holiday films of the year. But add in the emotional depth and storytelling flair of Karen Kingsbury, and fans are in for a film that goes far beyond the average holiday romance.

A Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy

Based on Kingsbury’s novel of the same name, The Christmas Ring tells a poignant story that weaves together past and present. Jana Kramer stars as a grieving widow determined to track down a missing family heirloom: a ring that has been passed down through generations. Her journey leads her to Hollingsworth’s character, a charming antiques dealer whose family history may hold the key to unlocking the mystery of the missing ring.

At the heart of the tale lies not just the search for a treasured object, but also the discovery of love, healing, and the power of connection. The antiques dealer, played by Hollingsworth, is caught between his devotion to family and the budding relationship that blossoms unexpectedly with Kramer’s character. Meanwhile, Kelsey Grammer steps into the role of Hollingsworth’s father, a man whose past may be directly linked to the lost heirloom—and whose story could carry secrets that span back to World War II.

This dual timeline structure adds a layer of richness to the film, as audiences are transported not only to the present-day warmth of Columbus, Georgia, but also back to the turbulent era of the 1940s. Kingsbury’s signature style often blends romance with profound themes of faith, hope, and resilience, and early hints suggest The Christmas Ring will deliver the same tear-jerking emotional impact her readers know so well.

Why This Film Matters for Virgin River Fans

For fans of Virgin River, Hollingsworth’s new role arrives at the perfect moment. While season 7 is completed, Netflix has yet to announce whether the new episodes will debut by the end of 2025 or roll into early 2026. That uncertainty leaves viewers hungry for any connection to the actors who have become such an integral part of their streaming lives.

Hollingsworth’s leap into this heartfelt Christmas story offers fans a chance to see him in a completely new light. Brady’s journey in Virgin River has often been fraught with turmoil, redemption arcs, and difficult choices. In contrast, The Christmas Ring will allow Hollingsworth to showcase his softer, romantic side while still grappling with meaningful emotional stakes. It’s a different kind of storytelling, but one that fans will no doubt embrace as they wait for his return to Virgin River.