All eyes may be firmly trained on the imminent festive season, though Broad Green Pictures is thinking further afield – specifically, the release date of comedy sequel Bad Santa 2, which is now locked for November 23, 2016.
Releasing a full 13 years after the original cult hit, Billy Bob Thornton will reprise his role as the curmudgeonly Willie Soke, the sleazy mall santa who indulged in all manner of seasonal shenanigans more than a decade ago. Now, he’s primed to return for the sequel, along with Tony Cox (Marcus) and Brett Kelly (The Kid), the latter of whom is all grown up since he first ruffled Soke’s feathers in the first film.
Since it was first announced, the Mark Waters-directed sequel has gradually pulled together its cast as it prepares to enter principal photography in January of next year. Part of that early progress involved the casting of one Kathy Bates (American Horror Story), who is set to throw a spanner in the works as the mother to Thornton’s foul-mouthed, borderline-alcoholic crook.
For the long-gestating follow-up, it’s understood that Johnny Rosenthal, Doug Ellin (Entourage) and Shauna Cross (If I Stay) each penned drafts of the screenplay for Bad Santa 2. Releasing as a partnership between Broad Green and Miramax, there’s also Gabriel and Daniel Hammond producing on behalf of the former banner, while Zanne Devine and David Thwaites will executive produce for the latter.
Billy Bob Thornton will spread a very particular – and R-rated – brand of festive cheer when Bad Santa 2 releases on November 23, 2016.