Anthony Edwards Is ‘Anta Claus’ Accompanied By Monaleo’s Narration In Modern Twist On ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’

With Christmas right around the corner, Anthony Edwards is part of a festive campaign to celebrate the holiday season. According to a press release, the Minnesota Timberwolves forward stars in a minute-long film with Sprite that takes a modern approach to Twas the Night Before Christmas, playing “Anta Claus,” a Santa substitute.

As Anta Claus, Edwards takes over for Santa, who’s injured and unable to fulfill his Christmas duties, to deliver some of Sprite’s Winter Spiced Cranberry, a limited-edition flavor, to those lucky enough to make this year’s Nice List.

Instead of using Santa’s legendary sleigh, he bestows the drink on holiday gatherings through a flying, drop-top sportscar, complete with “eight tiny wolfdeer,” an homage to his NBA team. Rapper Monaleo raps the story as Edwards spreads cheer (and Sprites).

“We hope to build on the momentum of AE’s meteoric rise—from his highlight-reel dunks throughout the Timberwolves’ historic run, to being one of the youngest members of the Olympic Gold Medal-winning Dream Team, to starring in the hit Netflix series, Starting 5—with our first new holiday campaign in three years,” A.P. Chaney, Senior Creative Director, Sparkling Flavors, said in a statement. “The authenticity and unapologetic audaciousness of how he shows up on and off the court—the refreshing reality of who he is—truly embody what it means to ‘Obey Your Thirst.’ We always aspire to team up with talent on the tipping point of culture and, in our effort to recruit a new generation of Sprite drinkers, we couldn’t have found a better partner.”

This isn’t the first time Edwards has partnered with Sprite. In 2022, the basketball player was featured in their “New Bottle, Same Sprite” campaign to mark the brand’s transition from green to clear packaging. He also participated in the brand’s “Obey Your Thirst” revival this year alongside basketball icon Grant Hill.

The short film is now available online and will air twice during the broadcast of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Christmas Day game.