VIOLENT NIGHT 2 Will Draw Inspiration from Westerns

David Harbour’s Santa Claus is coming back with a vengeance in Violent Night 2, and it will be fun to see what’s next for the brutal holiday action hero.

Writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller recently teased the direction and vibe for the sequel, which included a surprising nod to Westerns.

During a conversation about their work on Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Casey and Miller offered hints about the tone of Violent Night 2. While keeping details under wraps, Miller revealed to Cinemablend:

“I think it'll feel very similar to the first one in the way people want. But maybe the one tease we can say that's not giving anything away [is] if the first one was drawing a lot from a certain type of action movie, we're trying to draw inspiration for this one a bit from Westerns. It’s not going to be a Western, but [has] some [Western] story elements and thematics.”

The first film blended holiday cheer with bloody action, and this sequel looks to add layers of classic Western storytelling. So, I guess we can expect to see stories of revenge, redemption, and showdowns woven into Santa’s next adventure.

Pat Casey also reassures the sequel will include, “More violence, more Christmas spirit.”

I’m sure the writers will once again deliver the crazy chaos and holiday magic that made the first film such a fun movie. But this doesn’t mean the sequel will necessarily take place during Santa’s busiest season. There’s room for other creative scenario.

During the interview, the possible introduction of Mrs. Claus was brought up. In the first film, Santa’s better half was referenced but never seen, and it would be interesting to see who would be cast in the role if they include her in the film

Charlize Theron’s name has been floated as a potential fit, but Miller kept and possible casting to himself:

“I hadn’t even thought about Winona [Ryder]. I mean, yeah, we can't comment on casting, and probably shouldn't even comment on whether she is or isn't in the movie at all.”

While the inclusion of Mrs. Claus remains uncertain, her potential involvement opens up another direction for the story, fans might want to see the sequel explore her dynamic with Harbour’s grizzled Santa.

One thing we know for sure about the sequel is that Santa’s got some unfinished business, and it’s going to be violent.