Santa’s bringing more than presents this time — he’s bringing chaos.
Get ready for another action-packed holiday as Universal Pictures and 87North have confirmed the return of Violent Night, the bloody Christmas action hit starring David Harbour (Stranger Things), with a sequel officially set for release on December 4, 2026.
Director Tommy Wirkola is back to helm the sequel, and original writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller are returning with a script that’s already underway. Filming is expected to start this September in Winnipeg, with producers Kelly McCormick and David Leitch back on board to deliver another wild ride.
What Was Violent Night?
Released in 2022, the first Violent Night became a surprise holiday favorite. David Harbour played a grumpy Santa Claus ready to hang up his sleigh for good — until he stumbled into a Christmas Eve hostage crisis. With his Viking past as Nicomund the Red and a knack for brutal beatdowns, he saved a family from a group of greedy criminals.
The mix of humor, heart, and over-the-top violence earned the film $76 million worldwide on a modest $20 million budget and a strong 74% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What’s in Store for the Sequel?
Details are still under wraps, but fans can expect more of Santa’s Viking warrior origins. Writer Pat Casey teased that the sequel will go beyond the mansion and dive deeper into Saint Nick’s epic backstory.
“We know people are hungry for more of his Viking backstory,” Casey said. “David is especially excited about that stuff.”
And yes, expect even more shirtless Santa moments, as promised by the writers.
There’s also talk of exploring Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves, parts of the mythos that were left out of the first film.
Who’s Coming Back for Violent Night 2?
David Harbour is confirmed to return, but the full cast has yet to be announced. While John Leguizamo’s Mr. Scrooge met a brutal end in the first film, fans are waiting to see if Leah Brady as young Trudy and other familiar faces like Alex Hassell, Beverly D’Angelo, and Cam Gigandet return for round two.
If you loved Die Hard with a holiday twist, Violent Night 2 promises to be even bigger, bloodier, and bolder. With the original team back together and filming set to begin this fall, fans can officially start counting down to a very violent Christmas in 2026.