Universal Unveils Violent Night 2 Trailer, Adds Mrs. Claus

Universal Pictures has released the first full trailer for "Violent Night 2," the sequel to its 2022 holiday action hit, confirming a theatrical release date of December 4, 2026. David Harbour reprises his role as a brutal, disillusioned Santa Claus, who this time finds himself stripped of his powers after being placed on his own Naughty List.

The new story strandlines Santa in a decaying New Jersey shopping mall, where he must confront a ruthless crime lord, played by Jared Harris, and his gang of henchmen. According to director Tommy Wirkola, the plot stems from Santa having taken the wrong lesson from his previous adventure, becoming overly obsessed with punishing the wicked to the point where the Christmas magic itself judges him. Sapped of his abilities, he is forced to rely on his raw combat skills and makeshift weapons found throughout the mall's various stores to survive and protect the people trapped inside.

The trailer, unveiled on August 4, 2026, also introduces Kristen Bell as Mrs. Claus, who arrives to aid her husband. Producers revealed that the character was almost introduced in a post-credits scene in the first film, but her casting for the sequel came together...