In the animated film “Klaus,” released in 2019, the story unfolds in the secluded town of Smeerensburg, a place known for its long-standing feud between the locals. Jesper, a reluctant postman, is stationed there by his father with a challenge: he must deliver 6,000 letters within a year or face dire consequences.
Struggling to find any enthusiasm in the desolate town, Jesper discovers a mysterious and reclusive woodsman named Klaus. Jesper convinces Klaus to be his toy-making accomplice, and together, they embark on a mission to bring joy to the children of Smeerensburg. As they deliver handmade toys, their goodwill sparks a positive change in the town and begins to dissolve the animosity between the feuding families.
“Klaus” is a heartwarming tale that explores the origins of the legendary figure we know as Santa Claus. The film beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, generosity, and the transformative power of spreading kindness, turning a once-bitter community into a place filled with the spirit of Christmas.
Need inspiration for unique holiday-themed gifts? Visit our Red Bubble store.
6 Fun Facts About Klaus
(1) The fictional town of Smeerensburg draws inspiration from the real-life Smeerenburg in Norway, a once-thriving whaling post during the 17th Century.
(2) Director Sergio Pablos aimed for a traditional animated film but decided to blend CGI lighting techniques with hand-drawn animation to create Klaus’s unique visual style.
(3) Neda Margrethe Labba, the voice behind Sami girl Márgu, didn’t speak English. Sergio Pablos traveled to Norway, recording her lines through translation and mimicry.
(4) Despite initial hesitations from studios, Netflix acquired Klaus in 2017 after other studios deemed it “too risky.”
(5) Each resident of Smeerensburg is visually distinguished by hair color, such as the Krums with black hair, Ellingboes as redheads, and the neutrals, including the Sami people, Jesper, and Alva, as blondes.
(6) An Easter egg for animation enthusiasts: the crate labeled “A113” briefly appears after the sleigh crash, referencing a room number at The California Institute of the Arts.
