The action packed Christmas franchise Violent Night is returning with its much awaited sequel, Violent Night 2. After the success of the 2022 film, the new installment is set to bring back David Harbour as the unconventional Santa Claus while introducing new characters and expanding the story beyond what audiences saw in the first movie. Directed by Tommy Wirkola and backed by Universal Pictures, the sequel is expected to combine festive moments with action, comedy and a darker storyline.
David Harbour returns to play Santa Claus, the role that became a fan favorite in the original film. This time, he is joined by Kristen Bell, who has been cast as Mrs Claus. The sequel also features Daniela Melchior, Jared Harris, Joe Pantoliano, Maxwell Friedman and Andrew Bachelor in important roles. Tommy Wirkola returns as director, while Pat Casey and Josh Miller have once again written the screenplay after working on the first film. The movie is produced by Kelly McCormick and David Leitch under 87North Productions. Matthew Weston serves as the cinematographer, Martin Stoltz is the editor and Dominic Lewis returns to compose the film’s music.
The makers have not yet revealed the official story of Violent Night 2. However, the sequel is expected to continue Santa Claus’ action filled adventures while exploring more of his world. Audiences may get a closer look at Mrs Claus, the North Pole and its elves, making the story much bigger than the first film. The writers have also shared that the sequel will have a Western inspired feel, with the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street serving as one of the creative inspirations behind the film.
Plans for a sequel began while the first Violent Night was still being made. After the original movie performed well, development officially moved ahead in January 2023. By the end of 2024, the screenplay had been completed and was being refined. During 2025, Kristen Bell and Daniela Melchior joined the cast, followed by Jared Harris, Joe Pantoliano, Maxwell Friedman and Andrew Bachelor.
Released in 2022, Violent Night told the story of an immortal Viking warrior who became Santa Claus and fought a group of mercenaries after they took a wealthy family hostage during Christmas. The film premiered at New York Comic Con on October 7, 2022, before releasing in United States theatres on December 2, 2022. It received generally positive reviews from critics and earned $76.6 million worldwide.
Violent Night 2 is scheduled to arrive in theatres on December 4, 2026, continuing the unique mix of Christmas, action and dark comedy that made the original film a success.