Fans of Eli Roth's 'Thanksgiving' are eager for a sequel, but don't carve out space on your calendar just yet! While 'Thanksgiving 2' was announced with lightning speed after the first film's 2023 release, aiming for a 2025 theatrical debut, production is currently on hold. Why the delay? It all boils down to scheduling conflicts.
According to reports, key cast members like Addison Rae are tied up with touring commitments, and Milo Manheim has snagged a starring role in the live-action remake of 'Tangled'. These commitments, along with other logistical hurdles, have pushed back the production timeline. But here's the good news: Director Eli Roth assures us that John Carver will return to terrorize Plymouth, Massachusetts, when the stars align.
"Everybody wants to do it," Roth confidently told Variety. "I’m gonna have it locked and loaded, and we’ll find a time when we’re all available. We’ll just go back for a few weeks and have fun." Roth is set to direct the sequel from a script co-written with Jeff Rendell, promising a return to the gruesome holiday horror that made the first film a hit. Nell Verlaque and Rick Hoffman are also expected to reprise their roles, joining Rae and Manheim in what promises to be a bloody reunion.
Roth has even teased that 'Thanksgiving 2' will "up the ante" in terms of scares and inventive kills. And this is the part most people miss: He emphasizes that this won't be achieved through a bigger budget, but through sheer creativity and a dedication to crafting unforgettable horror. "I want it to be a challenge to pull off," Roth stated. "Because if I’ve come up with the stuff that I think will make the best kills, then I’m going to do it like I’m never going to make another movie again." Think more practical effects, more inventive scenarios, and a deeper dive into the twisted mind of John Carver. Some might argue that relying on creativity over budget is a risk, potentially limiting the scope of the sequel. What are your thoughts on this approach?
For those who need a reminder, 'Thanksgiving' centered around a Black Friday riot that spiraled into tragedy, unleashing a Thanksgiving-themed killer on the unsuspecting town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, the very birthplace of the holiday. What initially appeared as random acts of revenge soon revealed a more sinister, overarching plan, adding layers of mystery to the slasher mayhem.
While we patiently await 'Thanksgiving 2', Eli Roth is far from idle. He's busy with his Horror Section Studios projects, including 'Ice Cream Man' and 'Don’t Go in That House, Bitch!', the latter of which stars Snoop Dogg. He’s also developing a 'Hostel' TV series for Peacock, with Paul Giamatti attached to star. Could this 'Hostel' series offer a deeper, more disturbing exploration of the themes presented in the original films?
So, while the 'Thanksgiving 2' delay might be disappointing news for horror fans, it seems that Roth is committed to delivering a sequel that lives up to the original's gruesome reputation. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it better to wait and get a truly great sequel, or would you prefer a faster turnaround, even if it means potentially sacrificing some quality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
