Stranger Things' David Harbour returning for Violent Night 2 as Kristen Bell joins cast

David Harbour is returning as a weapon-wielding Santa Claus in the highly anticipated action sequel Violent Night 2, with Kristen Bell signing on to play his formidable wife.

Universal Pictures has unveiled the official full trailer for the festive follow-up to the 2022 hit, which sees the Stranger Things actor pull on the iconic red suit once again to deliver more yuletide mayhem.

The original cinematic outing became a breakout holiday hit, pulling in a staggering $76.6 million at the worldwide box office.

Speaking on the expansion of the universe, Harbour confirmed his passion for the project to ComicBook.com, stating: "Keep your eyes peeled because I also love that movie, and I think that Universal was excited about that idea as well. So we're working a little bit."

Following that major financial triumph, the creative team decided to significantly up the ante by introducing a battle-ready Mrs. Claus, portrayed by Frozen star Kristen Bell.

Producer Kelly McCormick told SlashFilm that the character was almost introduced at the end of the original film, admitting: "We almost put a button in the back of Violent Night with Mrs. Claus. If we would've done that, she would've been somebody totally different in this one, and it would've been a different movie, if she was already introduced."

McCormick praised the actress as "perfect" for the part, teasing that she gives Santa a loving push toward the nice list while simultaneously "kicking major ass" alongside her on-screen husband.

The sequel drops a weakened Father Christmas into a crumbling New Jersey shopping mall where he is cut off from the North Pole and sapped of his festive magic.

When his holiday spirit falters, he is forced to call in reinforcements from his wife to tackle a wave of ruthless goons.

An all-star ensemble cast joins Harbour and Bell, with Chernobyl star Jared Harris playing the main villain, a ruthless crime lord terrorising the local merchants.

The cast is rounded out by Joe Pantoliano, Daniela Melchior, Andrew Bachelor, and AEW professional wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

Norwegian genre filmmaker Tommy Wirkola returns to direct the picture after helming the bare-knuckle original, working from a screenplay penned by returning writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller.

Hollywood action powerhouse 87North - the production team behind John Wick and Bullet Train - are producing the highly anticipated sequel.

Violent Night 2 is scheduled to crash into cinemas nationwide on December 4, 2026.