Sony Pictures’ untitled shark thriller starring Phoebe Dynevor will shoot in Melbourne, Australia in July.
Plot details are being kept under wraps; Dynevor was confirmed as being in talks to star in May.
The thriller will be directed by Norway’s Tommy Wirkola, whose previous credits include Universal’s Violent Night, and will shoot at Docklands Studios in Melbourne and on-location around Victoria.
Producers are HyperObject Industries’ Adam McKay and Kevin Messick.
The untitled thriller will be the first major international film from Sony Pictures to shoot in Victoria since Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, in 2005.
Paramount’s ‘If’ rises...
Plot details are being kept under wraps; Dynevor was confirmed as being in talks to star in May.
The thriller will be directed by Norway’s Tommy Wirkola, whose previous credits include Universal’s Violent Night, and will shoot at Docklands Studios in Melbourne and on-location around Victoria.
Producers are HyperObject Industries’ Adam McKay and Kevin Messick.
The untitled thriller will be the first major international film from Sony Pictures to shoot in Victoria since Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, in 2005.
Paramount’s ‘If’ rises...
- 6/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures’ untitled shark movie, to be directed by Norway’s Tommy Wirkola, will shoot in Melbourne, Australia, it has been confirmed. The picture, which begins production from July, is expected to star “Bridgerton” heroine Phoebe Dynevor.
Confirmation of the location win for the state was revealed by Creative Victoria and VicScreen, which said that the production will tap into Victoria state’s Victorian Screen Incentive financing package. Local authorities said that it will inject A$30 million ($20 million) into the state economy and create nearly 700 job opportunities.
Although not specified, the film is likely also to be able to access the federal government’s rebate schemes which are administered by Screen Australia.
The film hails from producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick of HyperObject Industries. It is written and directed by Wirkola known for “Dead Snow” and its sequel “Red vs. Dead,” “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” “The Trip” and “What Happened to Monday.
Confirmation of the location win for the state was revealed by Creative Victoria and VicScreen, which said that the production will tap into Victoria state’s Victorian Screen Incentive financing package. Local authorities said that it will inject A$30 million ($20 million) into the state economy and create nearly 700 job opportunities.
Although not specified, the film is likely also to be able to access the federal government’s rebate schemes which are administered by Screen Australia.
The film hails from producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick of HyperObject Industries. It is written and directed by Wirkola known for “Dead Snow” and its sequel “Red vs. Dead,” “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” “The Trip” and “What Happened to Monday.
- 6/4/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
For the 36th year, Discovery Channel’s beloved, week-long annual celebration known as “Shark Week” is once again swimming our way, set to kick off on Sunday, July 7, 2024!
Discovery Channel has announced this week that WWE superstar / “Peacemaker” star John Cena will be hosting “Shark Week,” which has been lighting up your summer since 1988.
Discovery previews, “Shark Week hosted by John Cena promises to be an electrifying and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the world beneath the waves.
“One of the highlights of this week-long event will be the premiere of Belly of the Beast Pt. 2, an intense and eye-opening show that delves into the world of great white shark feeding frenzies. You can also look forward to Monster Hammerhead: Species X, a captivating exploration of a potential new species of hammerhead sharks! Plus, Great White Serial Killer: Sea of Blood, a gripping tale of...
Discovery Channel has announced this week that WWE superstar / “Peacemaker” star John Cena will be hosting “Shark Week,” which has been lighting up your summer since 1988.
Discovery previews, “Shark Week hosted by John Cena promises to be an electrifying and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the world beneath the waves.
“One of the highlights of this week-long event will be the premiere of Belly of the Beast Pt. 2, an intense and eye-opening show that delves into the world of great white shark feeding frenzies. You can also look forward to Monster Hammerhead: Species X, a captivating exploration of a potential new species of hammerhead sharks! Plus, Great White Serial Killer: Sea of Blood, a gripping tale of...
- 5/15/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
One shark movie is currently making a play at the Cannes market as it was recently reported that a third film in the 47 Meters Down series, titled 47 Meters Down: The Wreck, is launching its sales campaign. Johannes Roberts and screenwriter Ernest Riera return to co-write on that new installment, which will be directed by veteran horror director Patrick Lussier. Variety now reports on a new shark film that’s currently untitled that will be helmed by the director of the Christmas action movie Violent Night, Tommy Wirkola.
It is also being said that Phoebe Dynevor is currently in talks to star in the new shark film. Dynevor may be best recognized for her role in the first two seasons of Bridgerton as Daphne Bridgerton. She had also recently starred alongside Oppenheimer and Solo: A Star Wars Story‘s Alden Ehrenreich in the thriller Fair Play from 2023. That film...
It is also being said that Phoebe Dynevor is currently in talks to star in the new shark film. Dynevor may be best recognized for her role in the first two seasons of Bridgerton as Daphne Bridgerton. She had also recently starred alongside Oppenheimer and Solo: A Star Wars Story‘s Alden Ehrenreich in the thriller Fair Play from 2023. That film...
- 5/14/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Dead Snow, Violent Night) is headed into the open waters for an untitled shark attack horror movie, The Insneider exclusively reports this week. That scoop has been confirmed by Variety, with the site also reporting that Phoebe Dynevor (Fair Play) is in talks to star in the upcoming movie.
Adam McKay and Kevin Messick will produce the untitled movie for Sony, with Variety noting that production is expected to take place this coming summer in Australia.
“Plot details are being kept under wraps,” the site also notes.
Wirkola’s project is one of many new shark attack movies in the works, with Lizzy Greene starring in High Tide and Sean Byrne directing Dangerous Animals, to name just a couple.
The prospect of a shark attack movie directed by Tommy Wirkola is particularly exciting, however, as Wirkola’s movies are always wildly entertaining and extremely bloody.
Adam McKay and Kevin Messick will produce the untitled movie for Sony, with Variety noting that production is expected to take place this coming summer in Australia.
“Plot details are being kept under wraps,” the site also notes.
Wirkola’s project is one of many new shark attack movies in the works, with Lizzy Greene starring in High Tide and Sean Byrne directing Dangerous Animals, to name just a couple.
The prospect of a shark attack movie directed by Tommy Wirkola is particularly exciting, however, as Wirkola’s movies are always wildly entertaining and extremely bloody.
- 5/14/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Phoebe Dynevor, star of TV’s Bridgerton, is in talks to star in Violent Night director Tommy Wirkola’s mysterious, untitled shark thriller.
Tommy Wirkola, director of festive action film Violent Night, is currently working on a thriller that involves sharks in some form, and said thriller could end up starring Phoebe Dynevor, previously of Bridgerton and Fair Play fame.
Dynevor is ‘in talks’ to star in Wirkola’s shark-based project according to Deadline, while further details are thinner on the ground than actual sharks. There’s no title to speak of and its plot is said to be “under wraps”; the concrete bit of information is that it’ll be produced by Hyperobject Industries, the production company founded by Adam McKay. It’s previously brought us such entertainments as Succession, The Menu and Don’t Look Up, the latter directed by McKay himself.
Hailing from Norway, Wirkola has built a...
Tommy Wirkola, director of festive action film Violent Night, is currently working on a thriller that involves sharks in some form, and said thriller could end up starring Phoebe Dynevor, previously of Bridgerton and Fair Play fame.
Dynevor is ‘in talks’ to star in Wirkola’s shark-based project according to Deadline, while further details are thinner on the ground than actual sharks. There’s no title to speak of and its plot is said to be “under wraps”; the concrete bit of information is that it’ll be produced by Hyperobject Industries, the production company founded by Adam McKay. It’s previously brought us such entertainments as Succession, The Menu and Don’t Look Up, the latter directed by McKay himself.
Hailing from Norway, Wirkola has built a...
- 5/14/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Phoebe Dynevor is in talks to star in an untitled shark thriller at Sony Pictures with Tommy Wirkola (“Violent Night”) directing, Variety has confirmed.
While plot details are being kept under wraps, production is set to begin in Australia this summer. Adam McKay and Kevin Messick will produce the shark movie under their Hyperobject Industries banner.
Dynevor is best known for her role as Daphne Bridgerton in the first two seasons of the Netflix series “Bridgerton.” She recently starred opposite Alden Ehrenreich in the 2023 thriller “Fair Play,” which sold to Netflix in a massive $20 million deal following the film’s premiere at Sundance Film Festival.
In late April, Variety exclusively reported that Dynevor and Bella Ramsey star in the new short film “More Flames,” from McKay‘s Yellow Dot Studios and Climate Spring; the short marks the launch of the #FlipTheScript campaign aimed at changing the narrative around the climate crisis.
While plot details are being kept under wraps, production is set to begin in Australia this summer. Adam McKay and Kevin Messick will produce the shark movie under their Hyperobject Industries banner.
Dynevor is best known for her role as Daphne Bridgerton in the first two seasons of the Netflix series “Bridgerton.” She recently starred opposite Alden Ehrenreich in the 2023 thriller “Fair Play,” which sold to Netflix in a massive $20 million deal following the film’s premiere at Sundance Film Festival.
In late April, Variety exclusively reported that Dynevor and Bella Ramsey star in the new short film “More Flames,” from McKay‘s Yellow Dot Studios and Climate Spring; the short marks the launch of the #FlipTheScript campaign aimed at changing the narrative around the climate crisis.
- 5/14/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Bridgerton breakout Phoebe Dynevor is in talks to star in an as-yet-untitled shark thriller that Tommy Wirkola (Violent Night) wrote to direct for Sony Pictures, Deadline can confirm.
Details as to the plot of the film are under wraps. But Adam McKay and Kevin Messick will produce under their Hyperobject Industries banner, with production to kick off in Australia this summer.
Tommy Wirkola
Best known for her role of Daphne Bridgerton in the first two seasons of the hugely popular Netflix series Bridgerton, Dynevor was also recently seen starring opposite Alden Ehrenreich in the thriller Fair Play, which the streamer picked up at Sundance following a bidding war, garnering a BAFTA nomination for her work. Up next, she’ll be seen in two more thrillers: spy pic Inheritance from filmmaker Neil Burger and Anniversary, which also stars Diane Lane, Zoey Deutch and more.
Best known for helming Uni’s holiday...
Details as to the plot of the film are under wraps. But Adam McKay and Kevin Messick will produce under their Hyperobject Industries banner, with production to kick off in Australia this summer.
Tommy Wirkola
Best known for her role of Daphne Bridgerton in the first two seasons of the hugely popular Netflix series Bridgerton, Dynevor was also recently seen starring opposite Alden Ehrenreich in the thriller Fair Play, which the streamer picked up at Sundance following a bidding war, garnering a BAFTA nomination for her work. Up next, she’ll be seen in two more thrillers: spy pic Inheritance from filmmaker Neil Burger and Anniversary, which also stars Diane Lane, Zoey Deutch and more.
Best known for helming Uni’s holiday...
- 5/14/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Cam Gigandet, André Eriksen and Lio Tipton will join Ke Huy Quan in With Love for Universal Pictures.
Ariana DeBose and Daniel Wu also star in the action film from 87North, the stunt-centric banner behind Nobody, Violent Night and the upcoming feature The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
Lynch most recently appeared in Bottoms and will next be seen in Amazon MGM’s The Pickup. Shakir is best known for his roles in The Deuce, Luke Cage, Cowboy Bebop and Emancipation.
Gigandet’s movie credits include Universal’s Violent Night for Universal and Amazon’s Without Remorse. Eriksen’s latest credit is also Violent Night, directed by Tommy Wirkola. Tipton starred opposite Jake Lacy and Colin Hanks in the Peacock limited series A Friend of the Family.
Veteran stunt coordinator and fight coordinator Jonathan Eusebio makes his directorial debut with the action movie.
Ariana DeBose and Daniel Wu also star in the action film from 87North, the stunt-centric banner behind Nobody, Violent Night and the upcoming feature The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
Lynch most recently appeared in Bottoms and will next be seen in Amazon MGM’s The Pickup. Shakir is best known for his roles in The Deuce, Luke Cage, Cowboy Bebop and Emancipation.
Gigandet’s movie credits include Universal’s Violent Night for Universal and Amazon’s Without Remorse. Eriksen’s latest credit is also Violent Night, directed by Tommy Wirkola. Tipton starred opposite Jake Lacy and Colin Hanks in the Peacock limited series A Friend of the Family.
Veteran stunt coordinator and fight coordinator Jonathan Eusebio makes his directorial debut with the action movie.
- 4/19/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tommy Wirkola‘s action-thriller Violent Night is getting a sequel, we learned last year, but what’s the latest on that project? Is it still happening or has it fallen by the wayside?
Chatting with Collider at SXSW last week, Violent Night producer Kelly McCormick promised that Violent Night 2 is definitely still happening, and might be filming next year.
“We are planning on returns to those universes,” McCormick responded when the outlet asked for updates on sequels to both Nobody and the Christmas movie Violent Night.
McCormick teased, “Hopefully, honestly, even potentially end of this year for Nobody 2 and, beginning of next year for Violent Night 2, if we can find time in everybody’s busy schedules.
“But the development’s going super well and everybody’s really, really excited about moving those worlds forward.”
Last we heard, Pat Casey and Josh Miller will be back to write Violent Night...
Chatting with Collider at SXSW last week, Violent Night producer Kelly McCormick promised that Violent Night 2 is definitely still happening, and might be filming next year.
“We are planning on returns to those universes,” McCormick responded when the outlet asked for updates on sequels to both Nobody and the Christmas movie Violent Night.
McCormick teased, “Hopefully, honestly, even potentially end of this year for Nobody 2 and, beginning of next year for Violent Night 2, if we can find time in everybody’s busy schedules.
“But the development’s going super well and everybody’s really, really excited about moving those worlds forward.”
Last we heard, Pat Casey and Josh Miller will be back to write Violent Night...
- 3/19/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Over the last ten years, former stuntman David Leitch has directed such films as Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Hobbs & Shaw, Bullet Train, and the upcoming The Fall Guy. While he keeps busy directing action films, he also produces them, with two Leitch productions being Nobody and Violent Night, both of which were released by Universal Pictures. Talking to Collider, Leitch and fellow producer Kelly McCormick confirmed that Universal is really invested in building Nobody and Violent Night franchises – so Nobody 2 and Violent Night 2 are both heading toward production!
Directed by Ilya Naishuller from a screenplay by Derek Kolstad, Nobody starred Bob Odenkirk as as Hutch Mansell, an unassuming family man who cowers and folds during a home invasion. His post-traumatic shame disorder reignites a long-cooled fire within, and he summons a secret lethal skill set for a revenge mission, only to see it backfire spectacularly and put his family in greater jeopardy.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller from a screenplay by Derek Kolstad, Nobody starred Bob Odenkirk as as Hutch Mansell, an unassuming family man who cowers and folds during a home invasion. His post-traumatic shame disorder reignites a long-cooled fire within, and he summons a secret lethal skill set for a revenge mission, only to see it backfire spectacularly and put his family in greater jeopardy.
- 3/14/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Lawrence Valins’ thriller Little Jaffna, about Paris gangs, and Finnish directors Jusso Laatio and Juka Vidberg’s action comedy Heavier Trip about a heavy metal band who break out of prison, head the new films on the European Film Market slate of France’s Charades.
Little Jaffna is Valins’ debut feature in which Valins also stars alongside a rising local cast. It is produced by Simon Bleuzé’s Mean Streets alongside prolific production house Agat Films. Set in the titular Little Jaffna, a district in Paris home to a vibrant Tamoul community, the film follows a young police officer on...
Little Jaffna is Valins’ debut feature in which Valins also stars alongside a rising local cast. It is produced by Simon Bleuzé’s Mean Streets alongside prolific production house Agat Films. Set in the titular Little Jaffna, a district in Paris home to a vibrant Tamoul community, the film follows a young police officer on...
- 2/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
On the first day of Creepmas, my true love gave to me…12 Killer Santa horror movies to herald in Bloody Disgusting’s 12 Days of Creepmas. This year, we’re reinterpreting the “Twelve Days of Christmas” to bring twelve days of holiday horror. ‘Tis the season to be naughty, after all.
It feels only right to kick things off with a look at one of holiday horror’s most prominent icons: the Killer Santa Claus. The niche subgenre of Killer Santa holiday horror movies is as robust as ever, offering ample murderous maniacs to spread holiday fear this season. Here are 12 of the most prominent and bloodthirsty of the bunch.
If your favorites are missing, don’t worry; there’s still plenty of holiday horror fun on the way.
Violent Night
Violent Night introduces Santa Claus (David Harbour) as a cynic drowning his frustrations in booze at a bar on Christmas Eve.
It feels only right to kick things off with a look at one of holiday horror’s most prominent icons: the Killer Santa Claus. The niche subgenre of Killer Santa holiday horror movies is as robust as ever, offering ample murderous maniacs to spread holiday fear this season. Here are 12 of the most prominent and bloodthirsty of the bunch.
If your favorites are missing, don’t worry; there’s still plenty of holiday horror fun on the way.
Violent Night
Violent Night introduces Santa Claus (David Harbour) as a cynic drowning his frustrations in booze at a bar on Christmas Eve.
- 12/14/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Violent Night hit theaters in December of 2022. It was a surprise hit, grossing a solid $50 million domestically, and another $26 million overseas, on a thrifty $20 million budget. The premise was a “can’t miss” proposition, being about a group of mercenaries that takes a rich family hostage, while Santa Claus (David Harbour) tries to save the day (and believe in Christmas again).Yet, many folks might have missed the movie last year, as by the time it hit Peacock and Blu-ray/DVD, it was January, at which point no one really wants to watch a Christmas movie anymore. With the yuletide season upon us, now’s the perfect time to revisit this holiday action flick.
Now, whenever someone asks me what my favorite Christmas movie is, I have only one answer. Die Hard. The Bruce Willis film has long been at the center of heated debate on it being classified as a holiday film.
Now, whenever someone asks me what my favorite Christmas movie is, I have only one answer. Die Hard. The Bruce Willis film has long been at the center of heated debate on it being classified as a holiday film.
- 11/23/2023
- by David Arroyo
- JoBlo.com
David Harbour would "love" to play Santa Claus again in 'Violent Night 2'.The 'Stranger Things' actor played a very different Father Christmas in last year's festive horror comedy, and a sequel had been in the works before the ongoing writers strike halted development.Speaking to Collider - in an interview conducted before the subsequent SAG-AFTRA strike - Harbour said: "Before the writers' strike there was, you know, maybe something that came in."We'll have to see where it fits if they can resolve all these labour issues."If the studios would please go to the table and end these labour issues, we could shoot all kinds of things I'd love to give to the people! But yes, we're in process."Earlier in the year, the film's director Tommy Wirkola confirmed a sequel was going ahead, with Pat Casey and Josh Miller both returning to pen the script.Wirkola...
- 8/9/2023
- by Alistair McGeorge
- Bang Showbiz
Because we love theming everything around horror and Easter arrives this weekend, this week’s streaming picks belong to horror movies perfect for your holiday viewing.
These five titles center around Easter yet explore the holiday in vastly different ways, from discomforting folk horror to raucous horror comedies – and of course, creepy bunnies.
Here’s where to watch these five Easter horror movies on streaming.
For more Stay Home, Watch Horror picks, click here.
Critters 2 – Hoopla, Tubi
If there’s a quintessential Easter horror movie to watch this week, it’s Critters 2. Plucky hero Brad (Scott Grimes) returns to the small town of Grover’s Bend to visit Grandma just in time for the town’s Easter celebration. Too bad someone mixed up Crite eggs for regular Easter eggs. The pint-sized critters set their sights on the Easter bunny before letting loose their insatiable appetite on the town. Think...
These five titles center around Easter yet explore the holiday in vastly different ways, from discomforting folk horror to raucous horror comedies – and of course, creepy bunnies.
Here’s where to watch these five Easter horror movies on streaming.
For more Stay Home, Watch Horror picks, click here.
Critters 2 – Hoopla, Tubi
If there’s a quintessential Easter horror movie to watch this week, it’s Critters 2. Plucky hero Brad (Scott Grimes) returns to the small town of Grover’s Bend to visit Grandma just in time for the town’s Easter celebration. Too bad someone mixed up Crite eggs for regular Easter eggs. The pint-sized critters set their sights on the Easter bunny before letting loose their insatiable appetite on the town. Think...
- 4/3/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Santa Claus is coming to town! Again. The sleeper hit Violent Night, starring David Harbour as Mr. Claus himself, is officially getting a sequel. The official synopsis for the Tommy Wirkola vehicle reads: “An elite team of mercenaries break into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage inside. However, they aren’t prepared for a surprise combatant. Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.” The Christmas feature garnered good reviews from both critics and fans. Though it didn’t particularly light the box office on fire like Avatar: The Way
A Violent Night Sequel Is Currently In The Works...
A Violent Night Sequel Is Currently In The Works...
- 3/2/2023
- by Jeffrey Bowie Jr.
- TVovermind.com
The Christmas action movie Violent Night turned Santa Claus (David Harbour) into an action hero. When a villain named Scrooge (John Leguizamo) takes a family hostage, Santa is the only one who can save the day. It’s not Leguizamo’s first villain role. He was the guy who shot Harrison Ford in Regarding Henry and one of Col. Stuart (William Sadler)’s henchmen in Die Hard 2, but leading the bad guys made up for a 32-year-old slight.
John Leguizamo | Allen Fraser / Universal Pictures
Leguizamo spoke with Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Feb. 9 about Violent Night. We’ll have more with Leguizamo about some of his other memorable roles, but first here’s how Violent Night made up for Die Hard 2. Violent Night is available on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD now.
‘Die Hard 2’ demoted John Leguizamo
Now, Leguizamo was in good company in Die Hard 2. Robert Patrick...
John Leguizamo | Allen Fraser / Universal Pictures
Leguizamo spoke with Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Feb. 9 about Violent Night. We’ll have more with Leguizamo about some of his other memorable roles, but first here’s how Violent Night made up for Die Hard 2. Violent Night is available on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD now.
‘Die Hard 2’ demoted John Leguizamo
Now, Leguizamo was in good company in Die Hard 2. Robert Patrick...
- 2/11/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
From the moment you saw the trailer, you knew exactly what you were going to get with Violent Night. The biggest selling points had to be the high concept and lead performer David Harbour. These days, he elevates just about everything he is in, so this already made it worth seeing.
The film opened to mixed reviews and reasonable box office, but Universal Home Entertainment seemed to release this in a rush, as a Blu-ray only release even as work begins on a sequel.
The Home Alone/Die Hard riffs are hard to miss but the inventiveness of the antics are amusing as a band of thieves led by John Leguizamo invade a Greenwich mansion to rob them blind. The bickering family spans three generations and most fill the stock character types one expects from such fare. It helps to have Beverly D’Angelo as the shrewish matriarch, able to go toe to toe with Leguizamo.
The film opened to mixed reviews and reasonable box office, but Universal Home Entertainment seemed to release this in a rush, as a Blu-ray only release even as work begins on a sequel.
The Home Alone/Die Hard riffs are hard to miss but the inventiveness of the antics are amusing as a band of thieves led by John Leguizamo invade a Greenwich mansion to rob them blind. The bickering family spans three generations and most fill the stock character types one expects from such fare. It helps to have Beverly D’Angelo as the shrewish matriarch, able to go toe to toe with Leguizamo.
- 2/3/2023
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Violent Night was one of this fan’s best moviegoing experiences from last year (read our review). The latest from filmmaker Tommy Wirkola is a gleeful, funny, brutal, and shockingly sweet modern take on a familiar formula. And it all works. The film includes David Harbour in a role tailor-made for him as a badass Santa Claus. Then there is John Leguizamo, Beverly D’Angelo, Alexis Louder, and the terrific Leah Brady. The cast collected is perfection.
Harbour’s take on kick-ass Claus is a rollicking good time. One of the best moments in the bloody action flick is when Santa disposes of several members of an Extraction Team. It’s a viciously intense scene that features one of the most excellent weapons in any movie, a candy cane. And yes, that thing is sharp with some help from old St. Nick and his teeth. It’s a wild experience to...
Harbour’s take on kick-ass Claus is a rollicking good time. One of the best moments in the bloody action flick is when Santa disposes of several members of an Extraction Team. It’s a viciously intense scene that features one of the most excellent weapons in any movie, a candy cane. And yes, that thing is sharp with some help from old St. Nick and his teeth. It’s a wild experience to...
- 2/1/2023
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
Last year's Violent Night blended a not-so-jolly Old Saint Nick (David Harbour's Santa Claus) with a Die Hard/Home Alone situation where a wealthy family was held hostage. Fists, bullets and Christmas decorations flew and the result was pure Chrimbo chaos. The movie has been successful enough to warrant talk of a sequel and director Tommy Wirkola told The Wrap that the plans are coming together.
Saying that they're busy making deals and talking through the idea, Wirkola cautioned that it won't happen right away, for good reason.
"We have time to really crack the script and figure out the story,” he said. "And we have some ideas, me and Pat and Josh and the producers, we’ve been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see."
While the first film used some of the recognisable Santa aspects, there are others still to be plumbed.
Saying that they're busy making deals and talking through the idea, Wirkola cautioned that it won't happen right away, for good reason.
"We have time to really crack the script and figure out the story,” he said. "And we have some ideas, me and Pat and Josh and the producers, we’ve been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see."
While the first film used some of the recognisable Santa aspects, there are others still to be plumbed.
- 1/24/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Santa Claus will return to spread Christmas cheer… and break a few skulls along the way. Violent Night was a modest box-office success, grossing over 75 million worldwide on a 20 million budget, and director Tommy Wirkola confirmed to The Wrap that Violent Night 2 is in the works.
“We’re talking about it,” Tommy Wirkola said, “and we’re just making deals and getting everything in order.” The director also confirmed that original screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller will return to pen Violent Night 2, but that the team isn’t rushing to start shooting anytime soon. “We have time to really crack the script and figure out the story,” Wirkola said. “And we have some ideas, me and Pat and Josh and the producers, we’ve been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see.” The director added that a few of the ideas that...
“We’re talking about it,” Tommy Wirkola said, “and we’re just making deals and getting everything in order.” The director also confirmed that original screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller will return to pen Violent Night 2, but that the team isn’t rushing to start shooting anytime soon. “We have time to really crack the script and figure out the story,” Wirkola said. “And we have some ideas, me and Pat and Josh and the producers, we’ve been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see.” The director added that a few of the ideas that...
- 1/24/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“Violent Night” was one of the most deliriously enjoyable movies of last year – a wild, violent, rip-roaring Christmas yarn featuring an all-time great Santa in the form of David Harbour’s cursing, drinking, former Viking iteration. And now, thanks to the new Blu-ray release of the film, you can learn how the madness was put together. And as a behind-the-scenes clip of the final fight makes abundantly clear, it was not easy to make a movie this fun. Watch the clip above.
The fight happens late in the film, between Harbour’s Santa and Scrooge (John Leguizamo), the leader of the band of thieves. This is a desperate, bloody brawl. And it is brutal. The only thing that was more brutal than the fight itself was filming it.
“It was by far the hardest fight to shoot, and only because it was minus 25 to 30 Celsius every day,” director Tommy Wirkola told TheWrap.
The fight happens late in the film, between Harbour’s Santa and Scrooge (John Leguizamo), the leader of the band of thieves. This is a desperate, bloody brawl. And it is brutal. The only thing that was more brutal than the fight itself was filming it.
“It was by far the hardest fight to shoot, and only because it was minus 25 to 30 Celsius every day,” director Tommy Wirkola told TheWrap.
- 1/24/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
You better watch out, you better not cry: David Harbour's killer Santa Claus is coming back with a sequel to last holiday season's "Violent Night," according to The Wrap. The outlet spoke with director Tommy Wirkola, who confirmed that much like the members of Santa's workshop, he's already toiling away at another gift for us in the form of "Violent Night 2."
"We have some ideas, me and [writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller] and the producers," Wirkola told The Wrap. "We've been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see."
The first "Violent Night" movie was a success at the box office upon release in December, scoring over 75 million worldwide in theaters before hitting VOD in time for Christmas. "Stranger Things" fan favorite Harbour stars as the jolly old man himself, only in this case, he's a cynical, butt-kicking version of Santa who takes...
"We have some ideas, me and [writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller] and the producers," Wirkola told The Wrap. "We've been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see."
The first "Violent Night" movie was a success at the box office upon release in December, scoring over 75 million worldwide in theaters before hitting VOD in time for Christmas. "Stranger Things" fan favorite Harbour stars as the jolly old man himself, only in this case, he's a cynical, butt-kicking version of Santa who takes...
- 1/23/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Tommy Wirkola‘s action-thriller Violent Night is now available on Digital and Peacock, and The Wrap reports today that Violent Night 2 is officially coming down the chimney!
“We’re talking about it and we’re just making deals and getting everything in order,” Wirkola tells the outlet. “We have time to really crack the script and figure out the story.”
Wirkola notes that Pat Casey and Josh Miller will be back to write Violent Night 2.
He tells The Wrap, “And we have some ideas, me and Pat and Josh and the producers, we’ve been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see.”
“There’s stuff we left on the floor like the North Pole, Mrs. Claus, the elves,” Wirkola continued. “But story-wise I think we have a really, really cool idea that expands on the world and scope, but still keeping that tone...
“We’re talking about it and we’re just making deals and getting everything in order,” Wirkola tells the outlet. “We have time to really crack the script and figure out the story.”
Wirkola notes that Pat Casey and Josh Miller will be back to write Violent Night 2.
He tells The Wrap, “And we have some ideas, me and Pat and Josh and the producers, we’ve been talking about where we want to take it and what we want to see.”
“There’s stuff we left on the floor like the North Pole, Mrs. Claus, the elves,” Wirkola continued. “But story-wise I think we have a really, really cool idea that expands on the world and scope, but still keeping that tone...
- 1/23/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
“Violent Night,” 2022’s “Bad Santa”-meets-“Die Hard” action movie, was a sleeper hit, making more than 75 million globally on a budget of only 25 million. (Plus untold riches from its PVOD release shortly after its theatrical bow.)
The Tommy Wirkola-directed and David Harbour-starring film saw Santa Claus, who in this mythology was originally an ancient Norse warrior, defend a family from killer thieves and also suggested a broader world.
And don’t worry, there will be more Christmases for Harbour’s Santa to save. “Yes,” Wirkola said when we asked if the sequel was happening. “We’re talking about it and we’re just making deals and getting everything in order.”
While speaking to TheWrap about the upcoming home video release of “Violent Night,” Wirkola said they wouldn’t shoot right away and have to get the script together. The second installment will also be written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller.
The Tommy Wirkola-directed and David Harbour-starring film saw Santa Claus, who in this mythology was originally an ancient Norse warrior, defend a family from killer thieves and also suggested a broader world.
And don’t worry, there will be more Christmases for Harbour’s Santa to save. “Yes,” Wirkola said when we asked if the sequel was happening. “We’re talking about it and we’re just making deals and getting everything in order.”
While speaking to TheWrap about the upcoming home video release of “Violent Night,” Wirkola said they wouldn’t shoot right away and have to get the script together. The second installment will also be written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller.
- 1/23/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
David Harbour’s unconventional Christmas movie is out now.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, the “Stranger Things” actor stars as an out-of-sorts Santa Claus who ditches giving gifts and instead binges on alcohol and cold-blooded murder. The movie twists the traditional holiday format and offers a holiday slasher instead.
Read More: David Harbour’s New Holiday Action Flick ‘Violent Night’ Targets 11 Million Opening
“And when I read that script, the first thing I said was, ‘I was born to make this film.’It was just so up my alley, and I knew I could do the tone, the crazy action, the humour and all that stuff,” Wirkola previously said. “But what was really appealing to me was the Christmas movie nature of it. So all these things came together at the right time…”
The director’s tackled genre-bending films like “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” in the past, putting a twist on the classic tale.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, the “Stranger Things” actor stars as an out-of-sorts Santa Claus who ditches giving gifts and instead binges on alcohol and cold-blooded murder. The movie twists the traditional holiday format and offers a holiday slasher instead.
Read More: David Harbour’s New Holiday Action Flick ‘Violent Night’ Targets 11 Million Opening
“And when I read that script, the first thing I said was, ‘I was born to make this film.’It was just so up my alley, and I knew I could do the tone, the crazy action, the humour and all that stuff,” Wirkola previously said. “But what was really appealing to me was the Christmas movie nature of it. So all these things came together at the right time…”
The director’s tackled genre-bending films like “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” in the past, putting a twist on the classic tale.
- 1/20/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
“Violent Night” the Christmas action movie starring David Harbour, is now streaming on Peacock.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, and a screenplay by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the film follows Harbour’s dissolute Santa Clause who instead of dropping off presents on Christmas Day, drinks his weight in alcohol, pees and pukes off the side of a sleigh and murders people in cold blood. It’s a genre-bending romp that offers a new take on the traditional holiday movie. And it stars Harbour, the beloved actor in “Stranger Things” and the Red Guardian from “Black Widow.” So, you know it’s good.
“Christmas movies, like all Hollywood pulp, build on one another, and maybe this is just one more age-of-nothing-sacred holiday mish-mash, but ‘Violent Night,’ depending on how it performs,...
“Violent Night” the Christmas action movie starring David Harbour, is now streaming on Peacock.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, and a screenplay by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the film follows Harbour’s dissolute Santa Clause who instead of dropping off presents on Christmas Day, drinks his weight in alcohol, pees and pukes off the side of a sleigh and murders people in cold blood. It’s a genre-bending romp that offers a new take on the traditional holiday movie. And it stars Harbour, the beloved actor in “Stranger Things” and the Red Guardian from “Black Widow.” So, you know it’s good.
“Christmas movies, like all Hollywood pulp, build on one another, and maybe this is just one more age-of-nothing-sacred holiday mish-mash, but ‘Violent Night,’ depending on how it performs,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Christmas has come and gone, but it’s never too late to watch one of the most entertaining movies to be released in recent months: director Tommy Wirkola’s R-rated holiday thriller Violent Night (read our 8/10 review at This Link)! You can rent or purchase Violent Night right now on Amazon – but ComingSoon reports that as of this Friday, January 20th, you’ll also be able to watch the movie on the Peacock streaming service.
If you’d rather own a copy of the movie, it’s coming to Blu-ray and DVD on January 24th. Copies can be pre-ordered Here.
Scripted by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog), Violent Night shows what happens when a team of elite mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage. But the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds,...
If you’d rather own a copy of the movie, it’s coming to Blu-ray and DVD on January 24th. Copies can be pre-ordered Here.
Scripted by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog), Violent Night shows what happens when a team of elite mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage. But the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
David Harbour brings such verve to his performances that even something as over-the-top as Violent Night brings a smile to your face. The film was a surprise holiday season hit for Universal Studios and now Universal Home Entertainment has given us two digital codes to giveaway to those on the nice list.
To be eligible to win one of these codes, we want to hear your most over-the-top Christmas experience. Did you receive a lump of coal? Find Santa eating the milk and cookies? Find reindeer poop on the roof? Tell us your most amazing story by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2023. The decision of the ComicMix judges will be final.
From the producers of Nobody and John Wick comes Violent Night, available to own with bonus features on Digital January 20, 2023 and on Blu-ray and DVD on January 24, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. “The greatest Christmas action movie of all...
To be eligible to win one of these codes, we want to hear your most over-the-top Christmas experience. Did you receive a lump of coal? Find Santa eating the milk and cookies? Find reindeer poop on the roof? Tell us your most amazing story by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2023. The decision of the ComicMix judges will be final.
From the producers of Nobody and John Wick comes Violent Night, available to own with bonus features on Digital January 20, 2023 and on Blu-ray and DVD on January 24, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. “The greatest Christmas action movie of all...
- 1/18/2023
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
“Violent Night” the action comedy feature directed by Tommy Wirkola, follows ‘Santa Claus’ (David Harbour) as he fights mercenaries who have taken a family hostage in their home, streaming January 20, 2023 on Peacock:
“…A team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage inside. However, they aren't prepared for a surprise combatant: ‘Santa Claus’ is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this ‘Nick’ is no saint…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…A team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage inside. However, they aren't prepared for a surprise combatant: ‘Santa Claus’ is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this ‘Nick’ is no saint…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 1/18/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Peacock has announced Universal Pictures’ Violent Night will stream exclusively on Peacock starting this Friday January 20th. The violent Christmas action movie, directed by Dead Snow and The Trip's Tommy Wirkola and produced by David Leitch and Kelly McCormick's 87North, hit cinemas just in time for the holidays last year. Our own Mel took Violent Night to task cause It's A Wonderful Life it ain't. On an event-free morning, afternoon, or possibly evening, longtime friends, high-school classmates, and screenwriting partners Pat Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog I and II) turned to each other and simultaneously said: “What if Die Hard … but with a psycho Santa stepping in for Bruce Willis’ everyman cop, John McLane?” Understand this, Violent Night is not high...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 1/17/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Tommy Wirkola‘s action-thriller Violent Night is coming to Digital on January 20 and Blu-ray on January 24, and we’ve learned today that it’ll also be hitting Peacock this week.
The Christmas genre movie begins streaming exclusively on Peacock on January 20.
Violent Night is the latest addition to Peacock’s growing library of iconic films, including She Said, Ticket to Paradise, Bros, Nope, Mid-Century, The Silent Twins, and Halloween Ends.
Violent Night is essentially a bloody mix of several holiday classics including Die Hard, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Bad Santa, and centers on David Harbour’s Santa Claus rescuing a family that’s been taken hostage, with John Leguizamo playing the villain.
Meagan wrote in her review for Bd, “Director Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) infuses his gore-soaked sense of humor into an amalgamation of familiar holiday fare, ushering a new crowd-pleasing Christmas-set actioner eager to splatter the snow red.
The Christmas genre movie begins streaming exclusively on Peacock on January 20.
Violent Night is the latest addition to Peacock’s growing library of iconic films, including She Said, Ticket to Paradise, Bros, Nope, Mid-Century, The Silent Twins, and Halloween Ends.
Violent Night is essentially a bloody mix of several holiday classics including Die Hard, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Bad Santa, and centers on David Harbour’s Santa Claus rescuing a family that’s been taken hostage, with John Leguizamo playing the villain.
Meagan wrote in her review for Bd, “Director Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) infuses his gore-soaked sense of humor into an amalgamation of familiar holiday fare, ushering a new crowd-pleasing Christmas-set actioner eager to splatter the snow red.
- 1/17/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
It’s time for David Harbour to take a turn portraying Father Christmas. Known for other fatherly roles like Jim Hopper in Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and Alexei in Marvel’s “Black Widow,” the actor takes on a Christmas night crime in addition to Santa’s yearly duty of delivering presents across the entire planet in one night in the R-rated actioner “Violent Night.” John Leguizamo plays the bad guy — Scrooge.
From director Tommy Wirkola, the film has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. Within that time frame, David Harbour’s Santa Claus embarks on his mission to drop off presents, when John Leguizamo and his cronies interrupt the regularly scheduled program by attempting a robbery of a very rich family.
Fans of David Harbour and or John Leguizamo may be wondering how to watch “Violent Night,” and we have the details.
Also Read:
‘Violent Night’ Star John Leguizamo Says...
From director Tommy Wirkola, the film has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. Within that time frame, David Harbour’s Santa Claus embarks on his mission to drop off presents, when John Leguizamo and his cronies interrupt the regularly scheduled program by attempting a robbery of a very rich family.
Fans of David Harbour and or John Leguizamo may be wondering how to watch “Violent Night,” and we have the details.
Also Read:
‘Violent Night’ Star John Leguizamo Says...
- 1/17/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Universal City, California, January 13, 2023 – From the producers of Nobody and John Wick comes Violent Night, available to own with bonus features on Digital January 20, 2023 and on Blu-ray and DVD on January 24, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. “The greatest Christmas action movie of all time” (Cinapse) comes home in a collector’s edition that includes over half an hour of never-before-seen bonus content including deleted and extended scenes, a feature commentary, and behind-the-scenes featurettes delivering more of the movie for your Christmas collection.
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound taking everyone inside hostage, they are not prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus. David Harbour (Stranger Things) stars as St. Nick in the “wildly entertaining” (Screen Rant) holiday romp, delivering some serious season’s beatings to save the family and the spirit of Christmas.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, Violent Night also stars Emmy® winner John Leguizamo...
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound taking everyone inside hostage, they are not prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus. David Harbour (Stranger Things) stars as St. Nick in the “wildly entertaining” (Screen Rant) holiday romp, delivering some serious season’s beatings to save the family and the spirit of Christmas.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, Violent Night also stars Emmy® winner John Leguizamo...
- 1/13/2023
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Tommy Wirkola‘s action-thriller Violent Night is a box office hit, sleighing its way to 75 million at the worldwide box office, and it’s also available to watch at home at a premium.
We’ve learned today that the bloody Christmas genre movie will be available to own with action-packed bonus content on Digital January 20, followed by Blu-ray on January 24.
Special Features include…
Deleted and Extended Scenes Quarrelin’ Kringle Santa’s Helpers: The Making of Violent Night Deck the Halls with Brawls Feature Commentary with Director Tommy Wirkola, Producer Guy Danella, Writer Pat Casey and Writer Josh Miller
Violent Night is essentially a bloody mix of several holiday classics including Die Hard, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Bad Santa, and centers on David Harbour’s Santa Claus rescuing a family that’s been taken hostage, with John Leguizamo playing the villain.
Meagan wrote in her review for Bd, “Director Tommy...
We’ve learned today that the bloody Christmas genre movie will be available to own with action-packed bonus content on Digital January 20, followed by Blu-ray on January 24.
Special Features include…
Deleted and Extended Scenes Quarrelin’ Kringle Santa’s Helpers: The Making of Violent Night Deck the Halls with Brawls Feature Commentary with Director Tommy Wirkola, Producer Guy Danella, Writer Pat Casey and Writer Josh Miller
Violent Night is essentially a bloody mix of several holiday classics including Die Hard, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Bad Santa, and centers on David Harbour’s Santa Claus rescuing a family that’s been taken hostage, with John Leguizamo playing the villain.
Meagan wrote in her review for Bd, “Director Tommy...
- 1/13/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Horror/sci-fi and fantasy movie fans no longer need to give up their beloved genre when the November/December holiday season arrives. There’s plenty on the various streaming services that combine the Christmas tropes of elves, superheroes and Santa.
Here’s a look at one of our previous lists. http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2013/12/top-20-non-traditional-christmas-movies/
After searching around Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max and Shudder, Wamg found an assorted list of films that either takes place during Christmas or during the festive season that are naughty as well as …nice.
But first check out what the streaming services have to offer on YouTube:
Violent Night
To hell with “all is calm.” From 87North, the bare-knuckle producers of Nobody, John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Bullet Train and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw comes a holiday action-comedy that says you should always bet on red.
When a team...
Here’s a look at one of our previous lists. http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2013/12/top-20-non-traditional-christmas-movies/
After searching around Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max and Shudder, Wamg found an assorted list of films that either takes place during Christmas or during the festive season that are naughty as well as …nice.
But first check out what the streaming services have to offer on YouTube:
Violent Night
To hell with “all is calm.” From 87North, the bare-knuckle producers of Nobody, John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Bullet Train and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw comes a holiday action-comedy that says you should always bet on red.
When a team...
- 12/24/2022
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It's been a rough couple of years at the movies, but if 2022 proved anything, it's that capital-c Cinema still stands a chance. The blockbuster came back in a major way this year — and not just for the tried-and-true Marvel Cinematic Universe. 2022 was, for better or worse, the year of the spectacle: big budgets, big effects and even bigger risk. It made for a surprisingly great year for action, especially the films that pushed the limits of the genre or even evoked some good old-fashioned nostalgia.
It's not an easy thing, picking favorites — but with the end of the year upon us, now's as good a time as any to reflect on the greatest additions to the genre in 2022. Whether these 15 films broke big or cruised under the radar, whether they relied on technical achievements or dipped into low humor now and again, they still managed to raise our pulses in their own special way.
It's not an easy thing, picking favorites — but with the end of the year upon us, now's as good a time as any to reflect on the greatest additions to the genre in 2022. Whether these 15 films broke big or cruised under the radar, whether they relied on technical achievements or dipped into low humor now and again, they still managed to raise our pulses in their own special way.
- 12/21/2022
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
Violent Night is a season comedy action movie that features a rather burnt out and disenchanted Santa Claus, who has to dig deep to muster a fight for what is right.
The film is directed by Tommy Wirkola, and stars David Harbour (Santa), Beverly D’Angelo and the great John Leguizamo. The original and funny screenplay is written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller.
A comedy that at times is completely absurd, amusing and funny, at others very violent, and even so, manages to convey the Christmas spirit and ambiance. We have not felt so much Christmas fervor since Bad Santa.
Premise
It is Christmas Eve at the Lightstone household. The highly guarded estate is safer than a fort, so that the extraordinarily wealthy family can spend quality time celebrating the season festivities – sibling rivalry and all. However sophisticated the security measures are, it does not deter a group of dangerous...
The film is directed by Tommy Wirkola, and stars David Harbour (Santa), Beverly D’Angelo and the great John Leguizamo. The original and funny screenplay is written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller.
A comedy that at times is completely absurd, amusing and funny, at others very violent, and even so, manages to convey the Christmas spirit and ambiance. We have not felt so much Christmas fervor since Bad Santa.
Premise
It is Christmas Eve at the Lightstone household. The highly guarded estate is safer than a fort, so that the extraordinarily wealthy family can spend quality time celebrating the season festivities – sibling rivalry and all. However sophisticated the security measures are, it does not deter a group of dangerous...
- 12/21/2022
- by Martin Cid
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Only two and half weeks have gone by since the theatrical release of director Tommy Wirkola’s R-rated holiday thriller Violent Night, which has been described as a perfect combination of gore and Christmas spirit (you can read our 8/10 review at This Link) – but as a special gift for the holidays, Universal has already gone ahead and given the film a digital release! You can rent or purchase Violent Night right now on Amazon.
Violent Night has made over 55 million at the global box office.
Scripted by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog), Violent Night shows what happens when a team of elite mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage. But the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (Harbour) is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.
Violent Night...
Violent Night has made over 55 million at the global box office.
Scripted by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog), Violent Night shows what happens when a team of elite mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage. But the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (Harbour) is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.
Violent Night...
- 12/20/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Tommy Wirkola‘s action-thriller Violent Night has thus far sleighed its way to 55 million at the box office, and the film is now available at home as a surprise release this afternoon!
With the film still playing in theaters we assumed that Violent Night wouldn’t be available at home until after Christmas, but Universal is being smart by striking while the iron is hot.
You can rent Violent Night on Digital for 19.99, or purchase it for 24.99!
Violent Night is essentially a bloody mix of several holiday classics including Die Hard, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Bad Santa, and centers on David Harbour’s Santa Claus rescuing a family that’s been taken hostage, with John Leguizamo playing the villain.
Meagan wrote in her review for Bd, “Director Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) infuses his gore-soaked sense of humor into an amalgamation of familiar holiday fare, ushering a new crowd-pleasing Christmas-set...
With the film still playing in theaters we assumed that Violent Night wouldn’t be available at home until after Christmas, but Universal is being smart by striking while the iron is hot.
You can rent Violent Night on Digital for 19.99, or purchase it for 24.99!
Violent Night is essentially a bloody mix of several holiday classics including Die Hard, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Bad Santa, and centers on David Harbour’s Santa Claus rescuing a family that’s been taken hostage, with John Leguizamo playing the villain.
Meagan wrote in her review for Bd, “Director Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) infuses his gore-soaked sense of humor into an amalgamation of familiar holiday fare, ushering a new crowd-pleasing Christmas-set...
- 12/20/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Look, I'm not here to call Andy Williams a liar or anything, but the Christmas season is not always "the most wonderful time of the year." In fact, despite the twinkly lights and readily available peppermint mocha offerings everywhere you look, Christmas can be a straight-up miserable time for a lot of people. The cruel irony is that this is also the time of year when sentimental films take over the airwaves, much to the chagrin of anyone feeling less than holly-jolly. Fortunately, alternative Christmas movies are aplenty, and this year brought the addition of "Violent Night," a soon-to-be Christmas classic, especially for anyone who favors watching a film like "Die Hard" instead of "A Christmas Story" to celebrate the season.
For the uninitiated, "Violent Night" is a gory action film starring "Stranger Things" favorite David Harbour as Santa Claus. After an elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family's...
For the uninitiated, "Violent Night" is a gory action film starring "Stranger Things" favorite David Harbour as Santa Claus. After an elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family's...
- 12/19/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
This week is not only the first week of winter, officially beginning on December 21st, but the week is also capped off by Christmas Day on Sunday, December 25th. As you might imagine, it’s not exactly going to be a big week for new movie releases, with James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water likely dominating any and all movie conversations these next several days.
And don’t forget that Tommy Wirkola’s Christmas genre movie Violent Night is also still playing in theaters through Christmas, the film thus far slaying its way to 55 million worldwide!
What about New genre movies for the week, you ask? Well, there are only four new ones remaining for the entire rest of the year, so let’s take a look at those in one fell swoop.
Here’s all the new horror arriving December 19 – December 31, 2022!
First up, Cinedigm, Bloody Disgusting, and...
And don’t forget that Tommy Wirkola’s Christmas genre movie Violent Night is also still playing in theaters through Christmas, the film thus far slaying its way to 55 million worldwide!
What about New genre movies for the week, you ask? Well, there are only four new ones remaining for the entire rest of the year, so let’s take a look at those in one fell swoop.
Here’s all the new horror arriving December 19 – December 31, 2022!
First up, Cinedigm, Bloody Disgusting, and...
- 12/19/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Click here to read the full article.
Talk about no competition.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had no trouble staying atop the box office chart in its fifth weekend, earning 11.1 million to become only the third film of 2022 so far to leap past the 400 million mark at the domestic box office.
The Marvel and Disney pic’s domestic haul is now 409.8 million, while it has earned 767.8 million domestically.
Otherwise, it was a dismal weekend. Overall ticket sales came in at an estimated 38 million-39 million, likely the second-worst showing of the year. The reason? Hollywood is sitting on the sidelines in terms of unfurling commercial fare until James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water rides into theaters on Dec. 16.
There was good news, however, at the specialty box office.
Darren Aronofsky’s awards contender The Whale, starring Brendan Fraser, launched in six locations, earning 380,000 to score the best opening location of...
Talk about no competition.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had no trouble staying atop the box office chart in its fifth weekend, earning 11.1 million to become only the third film of 2022 so far to leap past the 400 million mark at the domestic box office.
The Marvel and Disney pic’s domestic haul is now 409.8 million, while it has earned 767.8 million domestically.
Otherwise, it was a dismal weekend. Overall ticket sales came in at an estimated 38 million-39 million, likely the second-worst showing of the year. The reason? Hollywood is sitting on the sidelines in terms of unfurling commercial fare until James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water rides into theaters on Dec. 16.
There was good news, however, at the specialty box office.
Darren Aronofsky’s awards contender The Whale, starring Brendan Fraser, launched in six locations, earning 380,000 to score the best opening location of...
- 12/11/2022
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Photo: 'Violent Night'
In 1988, there was an R-rated action film that took place during Christmas time. That movie is ‘Die Hard’ which starred Bruce Willis as the loose-cannon cop who saves innocent people from a group of terrorists at a skyscraper in Los Angeles. Now in 2022, there is a new R-rated Christmas action film called ‘Violent Night’ which stars David Harbour of the hit show ‘Stranger Things’ as a Santa Claus who brutally massacres bad guys just to save a snobby family. It will astonish audiences with dark humor and gruesome graphic violence. Seeing David Harbour in a Santa Claus suit will sort of remind some audiences of the slasher horror film ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’ since it features a character who also dresses like Santa Claus and goes on a murdering spree. What makes ‘Violent Night’ different is the fact that it is an action film that goes for thrilling shock values.
In 1988, there was an R-rated action film that took place during Christmas time. That movie is ‘Die Hard’ which starred Bruce Willis as the loose-cannon cop who saves innocent people from a group of terrorists at a skyscraper in Los Angeles. Now in 2022, there is a new R-rated Christmas action film called ‘Violent Night’ which stars David Harbour of the hit show ‘Stranger Things’ as a Santa Claus who brutally massacres bad guys just to save a snobby family. It will astonish audiences with dark humor and gruesome graphic violence. Seeing David Harbour in a Santa Claus suit will sort of remind some audiences of the slasher horror film ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’ since it features a character who also dresses like Santa Claus and goes on a murdering spree. What makes ‘Violent Night’ different is the fact that it is an action film that goes for thrilling shock values.
- 12/10/2022
- by Marco Castaneda
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Violent Night is one of many tongue-in-cheek genre-twisting movies to involve Christmas. It’s also a movie that went up against big Hollywood releases such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and turned heads when it still performed better than estimated despite not winning any weekends. However, the director credits other action reimaginings like Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters for opening the gate for an outside-the-box film like this.
The Hollywood Reporter also reveals that a sequel is already in the works. The director, Tommy Wirkola, recently talked with them about what he plans to do for the follow-up.
Of course the writers have talked about it, and I have thrown some ideas out there. We don’t see the North Pole, we don’t see Mrs. Claus and we don’t see the elves. There were also a few ideas that we loved in the script, but we had to...
The Hollywood Reporter also reveals that a sequel is already in the works. The director, Tommy Wirkola, recently talked with them about what he plans to do for the follow-up.
Of course the writers have talked about it, and I have thrown some ideas out there. We don’t see the North Pole, we don’t see Mrs. Claus and we don’t see the elves. There were also a few ideas that we loved in the script, but we had to...
- 12/8/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Like a cyanide-laced sugarplum, Violent Night is a jolly and vicious burst of holiday mayhem. Bloody and crass, yet brimming with Christmas spirit, it’s a 110-minute joke that largely works because of how firmly everyone involved commits to the bit.
David Harbour stars as Santa Claus, first seen drinking his holiday blues away at a London watering hole. Santa’s having a rough Christmas Eve; kids are getting greedier and naughtier every year, and he’s thinking of hanging up the hat. His night doesn’t get any easier when he heads to the United States-based home of a wealthy, heartless matriarch (Beverly D’Angelo), whose family has been taken hostage by a gang of thieves (led by John Leguizamo). While his first instinct is to fly off and finish his route, the presence of an innocent child (Leah Brady) causes Santa to reconsider, call upon the skills he learned...
David Harbour stars as Santa Claus, first seen drinking his holiday blues away at a London watering hole. Santa’s having a rough Christmas Eve; kids are getting greedier and naughtier every year, and he’s thinking of hanging up the hat. His night doesn’t get any easier when he heads to the United States-based home of a wealthy, heartless matriarch (Beverly D’Angelo), whose family has been taken hostage by a gang of thieves (led by John Leguizamo). While his first instinct is to fly off and finish his route, the presence of an innocent child (Leah Brady) causes Santa to reconsider, call upon the skills he learned...
- 12/8/2022
- by Chris Williams
- CinemaNerdz
“Violent Night” is winning praise for its off-kilter take on Christmas, with “Stranger Things” star David Harbour as a battle-hardened warrior Santa who takes on a band of murderous mercenaries on Christmas Eve.
That praise is also being heaped on director Tommy Wirkola, whose previous films include the equally genre-bending “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”, and in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter he reveals that as soon as he read the script, he knew he was the director to do justice to “Violent Night”.
“And when I read that script, the first thing I said was, ‘I was born to make this film.’It was just so up my alley, and I knew I could do the tone, the crazy action, the humour and all that stuff,” Wirkola said.
Read More: David Harbour’s New Holiday Action Flick ‘Violent Night’ Targets 11 Million Opening
“But what was really appealing...
That praise is also being heaped on director Tommy Wirkola, whose previous films include the equally genre-bending “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”, and in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter he reveals that as soon as he read the script, he knew he was the director to do justice to “Violent Night”.
“And when I read that script, the first thing I said was, ‘I was born to make this film.’It was just so up my alley, and I knew I could do the tone, the crazy action, the humour and all that stuff,” Wirkola said.
Read More: David Harbour’s New Holiday Action Flick ‘Violent Night’ Targets 11 Million Opening
“But what was really appealing...
- 12/8/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Tommy Wirkola‘s Violent Night is taking the holiday movie season by storm (and force). As you already know, David Harbour plays an action-hero version of Santa Claus who eliminates mercenaries during a hostage crisis on Christmas Eve. Commercials are everywhere, selling what’s now dubbed “Die Hard meets Home Alone.” That’s very much correct as a description of Violent Night, but it’s stated like the concept is brand-spankin’ new — which is not true. Horror fans already know there’s a title on Shudder called Deadly Games that beat Violent Night to that logline punch, which deserves just as much attention as the hard-hitting Harbour headliner.
If Violent Night became your new Christmas tradition, I implore you to check out Deadly Games. Both are wicked riffs on Home Alone that would complement wonderfully if watched as a double bill. Violent Night gives audiences Santa as a machismo action...
If Violent Night became your new Christmas tradition, I implore you to check out Deadly Games. Both are wicked riffs on Home Alone that would complement wonderfully if watched as a double bill. Violent Night gives audiences Santa as a machismo action...
- 12/7/2022
- by Matt Donato
- bloody-disgusting.com
Turns out Universal Pictures was willing to bet big on “Die Hard”-inspired holiday action movie “Violent Night.”
The R-rated Christmas movie stars David Harbour as Santa, who is willing to prove that he is no saint. Screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller referred to their long-gestating idea for the film as the “‘Die Hard’ Santa thing” that was on the border of being self-funded before they hit it big by penning Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie.
“At one point, we were like, ‘Is there a way to just make this ourselves for 30,000, Kevin Smith style?'” Miller told Vulture. “We usually didn’t even tell people about the idea. We didn’t think a regular production company would like it, let alone a major Hollywood studio. It was preposterous that anyone with money would think this was a good idea.”
Yet within one day of pitching “Violent Night...
The R-rated Christmas movie stars David Harbour as Santa, who is willing to prove that he is no saint. Screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller referred to their long-gestating idea for the film as the “‘Die Hard’ Santa thing” that was on the border of being self-funded before they hit it big by penning Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie.
“At one point, we were like, ‘Is there a way to just make this ourselves for 30,000, Kevin Smith style?'” Miller told Vulture. “We usually didn’t even tell people about the idea. We didn’t think a regular production company would like it, let alone a major Hollywood studio. It was preposterous that anyone with money would think this was a good idea.”
Yet within one day of pitching “Violent Night...
- 12/7/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
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