A Silent Night, Deadly Night Reboot Is Coming From Terrifiers Backers
Terrifier 3 was an instant hit at the box officejust the latest success for the low-budget, gleefully gory horror franchise, which has (presumably) at least one more film on the way. But Terrifier series distributor Cineverse is also looking for the next gruesome breakout, and its turning to a 1980s franchise thats ripe for a revival, particularly since like Terrifier 3, it revolves around a psychotic Santa Claus: Silent Night, Deadly Night. Deadline had the scoop on the Silent Night, Deadly Night reboot, reporting that it will be written and directed by Mike P. Nelson. Nelson is no stranger to franchise revivals; he directed the 2021 Wrong Turn reboot, an entertaining entry in a franchise that had otherwise run out of steam. He also wrote and directed the intersecting No Wake and Ambrosia segments of V/H/S/85, which means hes responsible for one of the V/H/S series most startling twistsno small feat. The new Silent Night, Deadly Night will have the executive producers of the 1984 original aboard for added authenticity; Terrifier 3s Brad Miska, who had a big role in bringing Damien Leones creation to wide audiences, is also among the executive producers.According to the trade, Silent Night, Deadly Night is aiming for a 2025 theatrical release. A November-December run would make seasonal sensethough Halloween timing would also work: Terrifier 3, featuring Art the Clowns own holly jolly misadventures, hit screens in mid-October. The original Silent Night, Deadly Night is about a kid named Billy who witnesses his parents murder at the hands of a Santa suit-clad killer, then grows up to become a Santa suit-clad killer. It spawned several sequels (part two is to blame for the infamous Garbage day! meme), though later series entries are more of the in name only variety. In the 80s, a slasher film featuring Santa Claus as a murderous maniac was seen as outrageously shocking, and the film was quite controversial. Thats not likely to happen this time around, especially in a post-Terrifier 3 world.Theres no word on shape Nelsons version might takehopefully he keeps the nightmare-inducing grandfather character in the storybut Deadlines quote from him more than conveys his excitement. The opportunity to work with producers involved with the original Silent Night, Deadly Nightand to partner with theTerrifier 3 team is an honor, he told the trade. Ill never forget walking into the video store at the mini mall when I was five and seeing that poster for the original film. I was in awe and started imagining what horrifying things would happen. To be a part of the films legacy many years later is insane! Im looking forward to getting production underway, and unleashing my new take on this compelling story. Billy is back! Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.