BAD SANTA 2 Gets MEAN GIRLS Director and More Returning Cast Members

A few days ago, word came out that after spending years in development hell, Bad Santa 2 is actually happening and star Billy Bob Thornton will return to reprise his role as drunken mall Santa Willie Soke. At the time, we didn't know much other than that Thornton would be back and filming would begin in January for a holiday 2016 release, but now THR has some more news about the movie and fans will likely be pleased to hear it.

First up, Mark Waters (Mean Girls) has been hired to direct this sequel. (/Film pointed me to this awesome interview with original director Terry Zwigoff in which he talks about his bad experience making the 2003 film, so it's no surprise he's not coming back for more.) He has some decent comedy chops, but hopefully the script (written by Johnny Rosenthal, Doug Ellin, and Shauna Cross) is sharp enough to do most of the heavy lifting.

Next, both Tony Cox (Willie's partner Marcus) and Brett Kelly (The Kid) have closed deals to return in the sequel, so fans will see some more familiar faces aside from just Thornton's mean mug. No word yet on a possible return for Lauren Graham (who may be busy with the newly-resurrected Gilmore Girls), but THR notes that the producers are currently on the hunt for a female lead.

Are you looking forward to this sequel?