‘Violent Night 2’ Promises More Christmas Chaos in New Trailer

Christmas is coming early for fans of chaotic festive action, with Universal Pictures unveiling the first trailer for Violent Night 2. The follow-up to 2022’s surprise hit sees David Harbour once again don the red suit as a battle-hardened Santa Claus, this time heading to a shopping mall where holiday cheer is about to be replaced by all-out mayhem.

The newly released footage offers the first proper look at the sequel, which reunites Harbour with returning director Tommy Wirkola and screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller. Produced once again by 87North, the action powerhouse behind John Wick, Bullet Train, Nobody and The Fall Guy, the film is set to arrive exclusively in cinemas this December.

After taking on a squad of mercenaries during the events of the original film, Santa now finds himself facing a ruthless gangster named Mason, played by Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Jared Harris. The criminal has turned the Silver Bell Mall into his latest battleground, forcing Saint Nick into another bruising fight to protect innocent lives.

This time, however, Santa enters the conflict without the magical abilities that have always given him the upper hand. According to the official synopsis, he must rediscover his faith in goodness while relying on something more than brute force to overcome the gang threatening the mall community. That also brings a major new addition into the story, with Kristen Bell joining the franchise as Mrs. Claus, who steps into the action when her husband needs help most.

The supporting cast includes Emmy winner Joe Pantoliano, Daniela Melchior, Andrew Bachelor and AEW star Maxwell Friedman, adding a mix of familiar faces from film, television and professional wrestling.

The first Violent Night premiered in 2022 and became a commercial success, earning more than $76 million worldwide while winning over audiences with its blend of festive comedy, brutal action and irreverent humour. Discussions surrounding a sequel began even before the original reached cinemas, with Harbour and Wirkola both expressing interest in expanding the world if the first film proved successful.

Development officially moved forward in early 2023, with Wirkola returning to direct and Casey and Miller once again handling the screenplay. Production took place in Winnipeg during autumn 2025, following several months of script development.

The new trailer suggests the sequel will expand beyond the isolated mansion setting of its predecessor, shifting the action into a bustling shopping centre while introducing fresh characters and a new threat for Santa to overcome. It also offers the first glimpse of Harbour sharing the screen with Bell, whose Mrs. Claus appears ready to prove she is more than capable of joining the fight herself.

Violent Night 2 arrives exclusively in cinemas on 4 December 2026. The first trailer is available to watch now.

Violent Night 2 trailer

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