Tyler Hynes Surprises Erin Krakow on ‘When Calls the Heart’ Set, Igniting Excitement for Highly-Anticipated Hallmark Reunion Film
The Beloved Costars, Known for Their On-Screen Chemistry, Reconnect as Fans Eagerly Await Their First Project Together in Four Years, ‘Christmas Above the Clouds.’
In a delightful turn of events that sent ripples of excitement through the Hearties fandom, actor Tyler Hynes paid a surprise visit to the set of his longtime friend and costar Erin Krakow’s hit Hallmark Channel series, When Calls the Heart. The unannounced appearance, documented by Hynes, 39, on his Instagram on Wednesday, August 20, 2023, occurred while Krakow, 40, was in the midst of filming for the upcoming 13th season of the beloved period drama.
The spontaneous reunion unfolded in Hope Valley, the fictional early 20th-century frontier town central to When Calls the Heart, where Krakow portrays the steadfast school teacher Elizabeth Thatcher. Hynes, sporting a casual yet stylish ensemble of a vintage racing jacket, Adidas track pants, a baseball cap, and aviator sunglasses, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of his visit. A captivating video clip showed Hynes strolling onto the set, prompting Krakow’s cheerful exclamation, “Look who’s in Hope Valley!” Hynes playfully responded, “There’s a new sheriff in town!” before the duo shared a lighthearted dance on a porch and posed for photos, all set to the soulful strains of Johnny Cash’s 2002 track, “The Man Comes Around.”
This unexpected rendezvous comes nearly four years after Hynes and Krakow last graced screens together, and it serves as a powerful precursor to their much-anticipated return as co-leads in a brand-new Hallmark Christmas movie. Their previous collaboration, the hugely popular 2021 holiday rom-com It Was Always You, captivated audiences with their undeniable on-screen chemistry as Lizzy and David. The film’s success ignited a fervent demand from viewers for another joint project. “I would be very, very happy for us to have a sequel to It Was Always You,” Krakow told PEOPLE in 2022, expressing her desire to work with Hynes again, acknowledging his “great, great guy” demeanor and their enjoyed dynamic.
Fans’ wishes are now being granted with Christmas Above the Clouds. Exclusively confirmed by PEOPLE in July 2023, the film is described by Hallmark as a “comedic, modern-day reimagining of A Christmas Carol.” The official synopsis reveals Krakow as a workaholic CEO attempting to bypass Christmas by flying to Australia, only to embark on “the flight of her life.” Haunted by her past, present, and future, she’s forced to confront her life choices. With the intervention of three ” quirky spirits” and a “surprise reunion” with her ex, portrayed by Hynes, she may just rediscover the true magic of Christmas and the love she believed was lost.
Both actors have openly expressed their enthusiasm for this collaborative return. Hynes succinctly quoted Peaches & Herb, stating, “‘Reunited and it feels so good.'” Krakow echoed his sentiments, exclaiming, “Christmas Above the CLOUD NINE working with Tyler again! Ever since our 2021 Hallmark movie It Was Always You, we’ve been touched and overwhelmed by our viewers’ passionate pleas for a reunion project. We were thrilled to be able to reunite on this very special take on A Christmas Carol, and we can’t wait to share it!” Krakow further teased fans on August 7, 2023, sharing a glimpse of the film’s ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) process on Instagram with the caption, “Nice to meet you on screen again @tyler_hynes! #ChristmasAboveTheClouds ADR 🎄”
Christmas Above the Clouds is slated to premiere later this year on the Hallmark Channel as a highlight of the network’s highly anticipated 16th Annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. For those who miss the initial broadcast, the film will be available to stream the following day on Hallmark+. The reunion marks a significant moment for fans who have eagerly awaited the duo’s return to the screen, promising another heartwarming and memorable holiday tale.
