Last year we heard that Hot Tub Time Machine director Steve Pink was going to direct Bad Santa 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the raunchy holiday comedy from 2003, which starred Billy Bob Thornton.
Apparently, that didn’t work out (Pink will be directing Hot Tub Time Machine 2 instead) and now the studio is looking for someone to replace him. The current script comes from Johnny Rosenthal but Entourage creator Doug Ellin has been hired to do a re-write. Additionally, Miramax also has their eye on him for the director’s chair, too.
Now, Ellin is also currently working on his Entourage feature film, so this may not pan out. All that’s confirmed right now is that he’ll do a re-write on the script. Of course, if it came down to Bad Santa 2 or Entourage, it’s clear where Ellin’s allegiances would lie, and rightfully so.
Whoever ends up directing, I’m just happy to see the film picking up some traction. I loved Bad Santa and the wait for its sequel has been a long one. With Thornton all set to return, I have no doubt that we’ll get a successful follow up. He was hilarious in the first film and fans have been waiting a long time to see him reprise the role.
As for Ellin, well, I do love Entourage. It’s one of my favorite shows of all time so to hear about his involvement is certainly exciting. Hopefully he’ll get the chance to direct, as well as write the film.
What do you think of this news? Do you want to see Doug Ellin direct Bad Santa 2?