Good news comes from Universal with the announcement that David Harbour will be returning to the role of Santa in Violent Night 2. Anyone who has seen Violent Night certainly remembers his performance as a hard-drinking, surly, rough around the edges St. Nick, who really knew how to fight (and had a sledge hammer he called “Skull Crusher”).
In 2022’s Violent Night, a group of mercenaries with festive code names like Mr. Scrooge, Candy Cane and Frosty invade a mansion where a wealthy family is celebrating on Christmas Eve. “Celebrating” may actually not be the right description for this particular holiday gathering, though – these family members are combative, ruthless and don’t trust one another.
When the mercenaries burst in, they hold the family members captive, hoping to get into a secret vault that holds $300 million. But little do they know, Santa Claus is stuck in the mansion with them, since his reindeer bolted when they heard gunfire.
Even though this Santa is jaded, angry and ready to quit his job due to the current state of the world, he can’t resist the sweet, plucky Trudy, a little girl who truly believes in him. So, he resolves to help the family, and a lot of chaotic violence ensues.
Violent Night was a huge success when it was released in 2022. It was a truly unique type of holiday movie, filled with blood and brutal violence, but it was FUN. And it not only threw a new twist into standard holiday fare, it also included several Easter Eggs harkening back to more standard Christmas flicks. Trudy, inspired by her first viewing of Home Alone, sets multiple booby traps and hides in the attic to evade the mercenaries. And of course, Beverly D’Angelo played Ellen Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Violent Night 2 will open in theaters on December 4, 2026
While we do know that David Harbour is returning, it’s unclear if any other original cast members will make an appearance in the sequel. Several characters were killed, obviously, but it would be nice to see Leah Brady return as Trudy, with Alex Hassell and Alexis Louder as her parents.
And, Beverly D’Angelo gave a great, hilarious performance as Gertrude Lightstone, the cold and bitter matriarch, so her return would definitely be welcome. John Leguizamo’s character of Scrooge was killed in Violent Night, so it’s doubtful that we will be seeing his return.
That’s all we know for now, but 1428 Elm will be sure to update you when more news is released about Violent Night 2.