There have been some interesting actors cast to play the role of Santa Claus in movies over the years. Tim Allen, Billy Bob Thornton, and Bryan Cranston to name but a few. But one thing they all have in common: They're not Kevin Hart. He'll get his shot to play the holiday icon in the upcoming Disney production, Dashing Through the Snow.

As THR reports, Hart is in negotiations to join the family-friendly Christmas comedy set up through producers Will Packer (Ride Along, Roots) and John Jacobs (Ted). The story, based on an original idea by Scott Rosenberg (Con Air), follows "a New York City detective who is a workaholic and has a strained relationship with his son. The only thing that may be able to repair the father-son relationship is the one true Santa Claus who has to make the man believe in Christmas magic." That one true Santa Claus looks to be Hart.

Rob Burnett is writing the current draft which aims for a tone in the vein of Liar Liar and Elf. No director is currently attached but a search will soon get underway with Kristin Burr overseeing.

Now I'm sure there are some folks out there who are wondering, "Why Kevin Hart?" Well if the generally accepted description of Santa Claus as a rosy-cheeked, jolly ol' fat (white) man is bothering you, you should know that Hart wouldn't exactly be setting a precedent. Though the list of actors playing Santa Claus is predominantly white men, there have also been a number of Black men who had the honor: There was James Earl Jones voicing Santa in Recess Christmas: Miracle on Third Street, Tracy Morgan in The Night Before, Godfrey in A Dennis the Menace Christmas, Rickey Smiley in Friday After Next and even Eddie Murphy (sort of) in an SNL skit. But as one of Hollywood's busiest comedians at the moment, Hart would certainly be the highest-profile of the bunch.

What do you think about Hart as Santa Claus? Let us know in the comments below!