A Legacy in Motion: Henry Castro and Hannah Barefoot Unite for a Holiday Western with Heart

A Meeting of Minds and Missions

In a remarkable collaboration that blends legacy, grit, and creative vision, executive producer Henry Castro and actress-writer Hannah Barefoot have joined forces to bring Wyoming Christmas Carol to life. This heartwarming holiday western, set against the breathtaking landscape of Barefoot’s home state, is not only a celebration of storytelling but also a testament to purpose-driven filmmaking.

From Boxing Gyms to Box Office Dreams

Henry Castro, affectionately known as Coach Henry, brings an extraordinary life experience to the production world. For over three decades, he dedicated himself to transforming lives through private boxing and fitness gyms, shaping not only physiques but characters. “I’m a coach at heart—of business, life, and people,” he shares. This philosophy of building—be it people, properties, or potential—has followed him into real estate and now into film.

In recent years, Castro launched a development and investment company complete with its own construction division and growing rental portfolio. He also founded Get Vibey, a tech platform that curates connections between businesses and consumers with a focus on quality and community. His podcast Living Your Legacy (formerly Positive Traction) has resonated with listeners for five successful seasons, blending real talk with real purpose.

Castro’s transition into media is far from accidental. His passion for social media began before it became mainstream, and supporting Hannah Barefoot’s passion project felt like a natural next chapter. “Her passion and excitement for her own work and writing makes me want to jump in and help it succeed,” he explains.

A Script Rooted in Home and Heart

Hannah Barefoot’s journey to filmmaking is as evocative as the stories she tells. A native of Wyoming, Barefoot grew up in a deeply musical household that fostered creativity. Encouraged to perform from a young age, she pursued a BFA in Theatre, Dance, and Singing at the University of Wyoming. However, her path was anything but linear. After a detour into banking and navigating early marriage and motherhood, she eventually returned to her first love—acting—with her young son in tow.

Barefoot reignited her acting career in Portland, Oregon, where she earned her SAG card with a lead role in the indie cult favorite The Falls: Testament of Love. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2015, she has amassed over 70 film and television credits, including roles in King Richard, The Chosen, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Chicago Med, and LA’s Finest. Her theatrical work has also earned acclaim, including recent performances with Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre.

But it is writing that has given Barefoot the power to shape narratives close to her heart. “I fell in love with writing because you can tell the stories you want to tell, and write the characters you want to play,” she says. Wyoming Christmas Carol, which she wrote and will star in, is a deeply personal piece—a film that combines her love of the American West with original music, comedy, and heartfelt drama.

A Western Carol Like No Other

Set on a struggling dude ranch in Wyoming, the story centres on Grace, a single mother trying to preserve her late mother’s legacy. Facing financial hardship, she invites none other than Willie Nelson to perform a Christmas fundraiser. The film balances comedic charm, family tension, and romance, offering a truly unique take on the holiday genre.

Barefoot’s ambition is not only to entertain but also to revitalise her hometown’s economy during its off-season. “Our film is nuanced but very commercial,” she notes. “There wasn’t a faith-based Christmas film in theatres last year, which is a niche hole we are able to fill.”

Backed by Visionaries

The film is in excellent hands. Director Jason Satterlund, fresh from his critically acclaimed Lionsgate release The Abandon, brings visual artistry and depth to the project. Producer Mark G. Mathis, an Oscar-nominated veteran behind Precious, Brick, and Waitress, adds significant industry credibility and guidance.

The collaboration between Barefoot and Castro is rooted in shared values. Their connection began serendipitously in a spin class, where they discovered mutual ties through their church. “I resonated with his business sense and passion for taking risks,” Barefoot says. “He’s been invaluable.”

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

With plans for a 2026 holiday theatrical release followed by wide streaming, Wyoming Christmas Carol is poised to fill a rare space in the marketplace. The inclusion of original music—written by Barefoot and her husband, with whom she performs in the indie-folk duo The Luminous Grey—adds another layer of authenticity and marketability.

The team is already thinking beyond this film. “I see this getting a foot in the door with this team and being able to help all make some money and make more movies to impact on various levels—economically and emotionally,” Castro affirms.

Barefoot’s growing library of scripts, past festival success with Incendio, and her focus on creating roles outside the industry mold mark her as a talent with vision and purpose. Together, she and Henry Castro represent a powerful synergy between entrepreneurship and storytelling, heart and hustle.

As Hollywood increasingly embraces stories with depth and heart, the union of Henry Castro’s entrepreneurial legacy and Hannah Barefoot’s artistic vision represents a compelling blueprint for meaningful cinema. Together, they are not just creating a film—they are building a movement.