Universal Sets Violent Night 2 for December 2026 Release

Santa’s back. And he’s not happy. Universal Pictures has announced that Violent Night 2 will be released in theaters on Wednesday, December 4, 2026.

From 87North, the powerhouse producers of Bullet Train, John Wick, The Fall Guy, Atomic Blonde, Nobody, and this summer’s Nobody 2, comes a new chapter in yuletide mayhem.

In 2022’s bare-knuckle holiday sensation, Violent Night, an embittered Santa (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee David Harbour), armed with lethal combat skills, took out a team of ruthless mercenaries to rescue a girl and her family. Now, it’s time for not-so-jolly Saint Nick to suit up again.

Violent Night 2 is produced by 87North founders Kelly McCormick and David Leitch and will be released by Universal Pictures.

In the first film, when a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (David Harbour, Stranger Things) is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.

The film also stars Emmy winner John Leguizamo (John Wick), Cam Gigandet (Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Tomorrow War), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), and Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise).

Directed by Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Dead Snow franchise), Violent Night was produced by 87North‘s Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella. The original screenplay was by Pat Casey & Josh Miller, the writers of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The film’s executive producer is Marc S. Fischer.

The first film was rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, and some sexual references. It grossed $76 million at the worldwide box office, with $50 million coming from North American theaters and $26 million from international markets.