After over a decade, Billy Bob Thornton has returned to play Willie Soke – raging alcoholic, womanizer and all-round low-life – in Bad Santa 2, which will raise a glass, or three, in theatres when it opens tomorrow.
Excessive drinking is but one character trait that defines Willie Soke, and in Bad Santa 2, Thornton’s despicable trickster will be up to his old ways, striking up a new partnership with literal partner-in-crime Marcus (Tony Cox) that involves Sunny Soke, the butch, borderline-abusive mother hen played with glee by American Horror Story alum, Kathy Bates.
Toss in a raging nymphomaniac in Christina Hendricks’ newcomer Diane and you have a festive sequel for only select portions of the family. When the plot involves robbing a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve, coupled with the crude nature of the cult 2003 original, you almost know what you’re in for right off the bat.
During the film’s press day in Los Angeles last weekend, we had the chance to sit down with Thornton for an exclusive interview, where he spoke about working with Bates, why it took so long to get the sequel made, wearing the Santa suit and more.
Hear what he had to say in the video above and be sure to catch Bad Santa 2 when it stumbles into theatres tomorrow.