With production set to begin later this month in Montreal, the cast is coming together for Miramax’s long-awaited sequelBad Santa 2.Deadlinereports thatMad MenstarChristina Hendrickshas joined the cast, portraying a new character who runs a charitable organization. While not specified in the site’s report, it’s possible that she could be the new love interest forBilly Bob Thornton’s Willie Soke.
TheBad Santa 2cast also includesKathy Bates, who portrays Willie Soke’s mother, described as a “foul-mouthed” woman. Tony Cox (Marcus) and Brett Kelly (The Kid) will also reprise their roles from the originalBad Santa, but it isn’t known if others such asLauren Grahamor Lauren Tom will be back for this follow-up. No story details have been released at this point, but hopefully we’ll learn more as production gets under way.
The originalBad Santaearned $76.4 million at thebox officefrom a $23 million production budget. The story centered on thieves Willie and Marcus, who would work as a mall Santa and his elf every year, before robbing the entire mall on Christmas Eve. When Willie meets a young kid (Brett Kelly) who keeps getting bullied, Willie steps up and befriends this youngster, while a mall security guard (Bernie Mac) uncovers their plan.
Mark Waters(Mean Girls) is directing from a screenplay byDoug Ellin,Johnny Rosenthaland Shauna Cross. Geyer Kosinski and Andrew Gunn are producing, withMark WatersandDoug Ellinserving as executive producers. Miramax will partner with Broad Green Pictures to co-finance and co-produce, with Broad Green distributing Bad Santa 2 theatrically in the U.S., and Sierra/Affinity handling international sales.
Christina Hendricksis best known for her portrayal of Joan Holloway on AMC’s critically-acclaimed seriesMad Men. On the big screen, she recently starred inDark Places, and she will next be seen inThe Neon Demon, alongsideKeanu ReevesandElle Fanning, and inFist FightwithCharlie DayandIce Cube. We’ll keep you posted with more onBad Santa 2as we get closer to production starting later this month.
