Brought byJohn Wickproducer David Leitch, the sequel to a 2022 Santa Claus action comedy is still in development, according to its lead star. Leitch first found success in the industry in the world of stunts, first as a performer, then as a coordinator, frequently working with Keanu Reeves, including in theMatrixtrilogy. He would then go on to make his directorial debut on the originalJohn Wickmovie alongside fellow stunt veteran Chad Stahelski, before making his solo directorial debut with the Charlize Theron-ledAtomic Blonde.
While Stahelski would direct the remaining four sequels by himself, Leitch executive produced all three oftheJohn Wicksequels. Besides the Keanu Reeves-led franchise, the producer and filmmaker was also behind several successful movies, includingBullet Train,The Fall Guy,Nobody,andDeadpool 2, all of which were praised for their blends of tension, thrill, action and comedy, including a 2022 holiday hit that is still waiting on its sequel.
Violent Night’s Sequel Gets Hopeful Updates From David Harbour
The Sequel Is Still Coming
Amid Leitch’s post-John Wickproducer credits was the R-rated Christmas movieViolent Night, which starred David Harbour as a disillusioned Santa Claus who finds himself caught up in a hostage situation and must fight to save the family being taken captive. Garnering generally positive reviews and grossing over $76 million against its $20 million production, development on a sequel was confirmed in January 2023. In the time since,Violent Night 2’s progresshas encountered a variety of issues, including Harbour’s busy schedule withStranger Things,Thunderbolts*andCreature Commandos.
During a recent interview withComicBook.comto discuss the DC Universe’s first project,Creature Commandos, Harbour offers a hopeful update on his return as Santa Claus. The star admits that he loves the movieand reveals that he believes “Universal was excited” about the idea of a sequel, while confirming thatthey are actively developing the moviewith “some very talented people working on it.” Check out what he said below:
Well, keep your eyes peeled because I also love that movie, and I think that Universal was excited about that idea as well. So we’re working a little bit. I do think there’s some very talented people working on it, so yeah, I’m excited about [it].
What This Means For Violent Night 2
The Sequel Might Finally Be Gaining Steam
It sounds like Harbour is on board to star in the sequel, as his comment also brings hope to the violently delightful Christmas movie. Despite the strikes and delays, the interest in theViolent Nightsequel is still strong. The original movie surprised fans during the holiday season, and with an audience approval rate of 88%, the gory Santa Claus movie resonated surprisingly well with viewers and ison track of becoming a cult classic. Many even consider makingViolent Nightpart of their Christmas tradition.
Every Song In Violent Night
Every Christmas song and musical reference in Violent Night, the gruesome festive heist movie starring David Harbour as brutal Santa Claus.
Beyond just its audience score,critics were also quite fond ofViolent Night, and for good reason. With a script fromSonic the Hedgehogduo Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the movie certainly looked to make full use of its innovative concept, and Harbour has expressed his own ideas for how the sequel can expand upon it, particularly the introduction of Mrs. Claus. Additionally, with the similarly long-gestatingNobody 2finally getting closer to release, Leitch’s Christmas action franchise may finally be happening.
Violent Night
Cast
David Harbor dons the silk red coat and hat of Santa Claus in Violent Night, a black comedy Christmas action film by director Tommy Wirkola. A group of mercenaries lays siege on the property of a wealthy family on Christmas Eve in hopes of scoring a self-bestowed gift of $300 million, leaving Santa Claus as the unlikely but capable last line of defense. Though the family themselves may not be perfect, the youngest daughter remains a kind-hearted child. With her help, and a unique repertoire of magical skills and tools at his disposal, Santa will double-check his naughty and nice list as he dispenses his own brand of justice to the assailants.
