The search for a Bad Santa 2 director has finally come to an end. Hot Tub Time Machine‘s Steven Pink will step in to helm the sequel to the 2003 comedy, according to Deadline. Pink will also give John Rosenthal’s script a re-write to give it more of that “dark and twisted” feel that we got with the first film.
Aiming for a Christmas 2013 release date, the film will supposedly get in front of camera this Fall, so expect further casting announcements shortly. As of now, the only confirmed cast member is Billy Bob Thornton. No word yet on if any of the other original cast members will return, though I’m hoping that at least some of them do.
Personally, I’m very happy to see the sequel moving ahead. We’ve been hearing about it for a long time now and I started to doubt that it would ever get made. Now, with a director, star and a script all set to go, it looks like we’re closer than ever to seeing the return of one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best on screen characters.
Though it’s been nearly ten years since the first film, it did considerable business at the box office and seemed to strike a chord with audiences. Hopefully people will still remember Willie’s antics from Bad Santa because the film truly was laugh out loud funny. In my opinion, I don’t think too much time has passed and I’m sure that the sequel will still be able to find an audience.
What do you think? Are you excited for Bad Santa 2? Is the ten year gap too long?