'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' returns with new Christmas movie 'The Getaway'

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is returning with a new animated Christmas movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: The Getaway, which is set to premiere on Disney+ on December 4.

The upcoming film is the fifth animated instalment in the popular franchise and adapts Jeff Kinney’s 12th book, The Getaway, which was originally released in November 2017.

The story follows middle schooler Greg Heffley as his family makes a last-minute decision to escape the holiday stress with a trip to an all-inclusive island resort. However, what is supposed to be a relaxing getaway quickly turns into another series of disasters for Greg and his family.

The Heffleys soon discover that their tropical paradise is not quite what they expected, with their holiday plans descending into the kind of chaotic situations that have become a trademark of the franchise.

Kinney wrote and produced the animated film, while Matt Danner returns as director after previously helming Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw.

Alongside the film, fans will also get a new movie tie-in cover for the book. The release comes as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise continues to expand its animated adaptations on Disney+.

The new film is not the only upcoming Wimpy Kid release from Kinney. His latest novel, Fight or Flight, is scheduled to hit shelves on October 20 and will become the 21st book in the bestselling series.

In Fight or Flight, Greg finds himself in trouble after a binder containing his notes about the school bullies falls into someone else’s hands. He must then race to recover it before the information exposes him as the person behind the scandal.

Kinney is also scheduled to embark on a US book tour from October 18 through October 30 to promote the new novel.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: The Getaway premieres on Disney+ on December 4.