The Resurgence of "A Silent Night, Deadly Night" by Team Terrifier Is Imminent
The Resurgence of "A Silent Night, Deadly Night" by Team Terrifier Is Imminent
"Frightful Success" saw an immediate triumph at the cinemas—continuing the victorious streak of the inexpensively horrific, bloodthirsty series, "Terrifier," which seemingly has another film up its sleeve. Meanwhile, "Terrifier" series distributor Cineverse is on the lookout for the next gory sensation, and they've set their sights on a 1980s franchise ripe for a revival, especially since it shares a similar premise to "Terrifier 3"—a deranged Santa Claus wreaking havoc: "Silent Night, Deadly Night."
Deadline was the first to break the news about the "Silent Night, Deadly Night" remake, announcing that it will be penned and directed by Mike P. Nelson. Nelson is no novice in franchise resurrections; he helmed the 2021 "Wrong Turn" reboot, an enthralling addition to a series that had lost momentum. He also scripted and directed the connecting "No Wake" and "Ambrosia" segments of V/H/S/85, meaning he's responsible for one of the V/H/S series' most jaw-dropping plot twists.
The new "Silent Night, Deadly Night" will boast the executive producers of the 1984 original for an added sense of authenticity; "Terrifier 3" producer Brad Miska, who played a significant role in bringing Damien Leone's creation to the masses, is also among the executive producers.
According to reports, "Silent Night, Deadly Night" is aiming for a 2025 theatrical release. A release date around November-December would align with the season, though Halloween timing would also be fitting: "Terrifier 3" starring Art the Clown's own festive misadventures hit screens in mid-October.
The original "Silent Night, Deadly Night" follows the story of a boy named Billy who witnesses his parents' murder at the hands of a Santa suit-clad killer, and subsequently grows up to become... a Santa suit-clad killer. The franchise spawned several sequels (with the second film infamously leading to the "Garbage day!" meme), though subsequent entries are more of a "name only" variety. In the 80s, a slasher film featuring Santa Claus as a homicidal maniac was considered outrageously shocking, and the film was embroiled in controversy. However, in today's age, especially post-"Terrifier 3," such a scenario is unlikely.
No details have been revealed about the direction Nelson's adaptation might take—hopefully, he includes the nightmare-inducing grandfather character in the narrative—but Nelson's enthusiasm, as quoted by Deadline, is palpable.
"The chance to work with producers linked to the original Silent Night, Deadly Night and to team up with the Terrifier 3 team is an honor," he told the trade. "I'll never forget strolling into the video store at the mini mall when I was five and seeing that poster for the original film. I was awestruck and began conjuring nightmares of what gruesome events would unfold. To be a part of the film's legacy decades later is surreal! I'm excited to commence production and unveil my vision for this chilling tale. Billy is back!"
IO9 reported that the upcoming remake of the 1980s slasher film "Silent Night, Deadly Night" will be directed by Mike P. Nelson, who gained recognition for his work on the "Wrong Turn" reboot and the "No Wake" and "Ambrosia" segments in V/H/S/85. The release of the new "Silent Night, Deadly Night" is aimed for 2025, and the film's premise, featuring a deranged Santa Claus, shares similarities with the "Terrifier 3" series.
With Nelson's passion for the original film and the involvement of producers from the original "Silent Night, Deadly Night" and "Terrifier 3," the future of this remake looks promising, drawing parallels to the continued success of the horror genre and its innovative blend of technology and storytelling.