Speaking with Collider, Golden Globe nominee David Harbour has gave an update on the production of Violent Night 2, the sequel to 2022’s action comedy which featured the Stranger Things star playing Santa Claus. Harbour confirmed that development on the said project has temporarily halted due to the ongoing Hollywood strikes.
“Before the writers’ strike there was, you know, maybe something that came in,” Harbour said. “We’ll have to see where it fits if they can resolve all these labor issues. If the studios would please go to the table and end these labor issues, we could shoot all kinds of things I’d love to give to the people! But yes, we’re in process.”
What was Violent Night about?
“When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint,” reads the synopsis.
Violent Night was directed by Tommy Wirkola from a screenplay written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller. Wirkola is currently attached to helm the sequel, with Harbour as the only cast member confirmed to return. The first installment also starred John Leguizamo (John Wick), Cam Gigandet (Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Tomorrow War), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), and Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise).
Violent Night was produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella, with Marc S. Fischer serving as an executive producer. The film earned a total gross of $74 million at the worldwide box office against its reported budget of $20 million.
