In Arthur Christmas, Arthur is Santa’s youngest son and the film’s central hero.
Arthur works in the North Pole’s letter department and is enthusiastic about Christmas, even though he lacks the confidence and technological expertise of his older brother Steve. When one child’s present is accidentally left undelivered, Arthur sets out to complete the delivery before Christmas morning.
The film presents Santa’s operation as a large, highly organized logistics system, complete with a spacecraft-like sleigh and a vast team of elves. Arthur’s personal kindness contrasts with the efficiency-first approach favored by Steve and their father.
Arthur Christmas was released in 2011 and directed by Sarah Smith, with co-direction by Barry Cook. The voice cast includes James McAvoy as Arthur, Hugh Laurie as Steve, and Bill Nighy as Grandsanta. The title refers to the son, not Santa Claus himself.