In anticipation of the release of the new Ukrainian comedy "Mad Christmas" (Skazhene Rizdvo), producer and actor Yuriy Gorbunov gave an exclusive interview in which he revealed details of upcoming premieres, explained the reasons for returning to the popular franchise, and commented on rumors about his health. In a conversation with the publication Wave RBC.UA, Gorbunov touched upon sharp topics in Ukrainian cinema: from the lack of new names to the logistics of filming during wartime.
Return to the Universe of "Mad Marriage"
The new film "Mad Christmas" will be a continuation of the cult story that began with "Mad Marriage". According to Gorbunov, the team decided to take a break from trains — the "Train "Red Ruth"" franchise already has three films, the last of which will start in theaters on August 20, 2026, on the Day of Independence of Ukraine and the 55th anniversary of the song "Red Ruth".
"We decided that we can take a break from trains now and remind everyone about the beloved "mad universe"", — explained the producer. In 2028, it will be 10 years since the release of the first part of "Mad Marriage", and the authors decided to immerse familiar characters in the atmosphere of Christmas. The plot of the new film revolves around the children whom Seredyuk married — they gather for the holidays, where new adventures unfold.
New Faces and Old Stars: The Dilemma of Ukrainian Cinema
One of the most frequent accusations against Ukrainian cinema is the uniformity of the cast. Gorbunov admitted that in the conditions of a full-scale invasion, many actors did not leave the country, and their cast is limited. "These are high-class actors, but there is a limited cast. Therefore, this cast "tours" from one film to another", — he noted.
However, the producer emphasized that he is not afraid to take risks. In the romantic comedy "Emily in Emily", which is being filmed in Lviv, the leading roles are played by students — completely new artists for the general public. "I hope that thanks to "Emily in Emily" these artists will become popular", — Gorbunov expressed his hope.
Filming in Wartime: Logistics and Safety
Despite the fact that "Emily in Emily" is being filmed in a premium location — the Emily Resort hotel, where the team received access practically for free, the filming process is fraught with serious difficulties. "It is difficult to get around now due to air raids, curfews, and actors had to travel back and forth often. This was a problem for us", — Gorbunov admitted.
The film will be released in theaters on February 10, 2027, on Valentine's Day. The producer is sure that Ukrainian viewers will be pleasantly surprised by the project, despite the production difficulties.
Photo under a Drip: Exhaustion or Provocation?
In May 2026, a photo of Yuriy Gorbunov under a drip appeared on social media, which caused a wave of concern among fans. The producer himself explained the situation simply: "When you don't sleep enough for a long time due to alarms, shelling, and a difficult schedule, the body sometimes reminds you that you are not 18".
The photo was taken by a doctor, and Gorbunov asked to show it and then published it. "This is a reminder that work is work, but you need to take care of yourself", — he added. Thus, the incident became not a signal of a serious illness, but a reminder of the importance of taking care of health in conditions of constant stress.
Personal Opinion on Potap and Nastya's Comeback
The conversation also touched upon the topic of the possible return of the duo Potap and Nastya after news of their divorce. Gorbunov, who is the godfather of Potap's son, took a neutral position: "I have no right to judge, praise, or anything else. We have our own lives, our own problems, and we are focused on them".
"So everyone is busy with their own business and everyone has the right to what they decide. This is my attitude — both philosophical and practical", — he concluded, emphasizing respect for the personal choice of colleagues.
