Eli Roth provides an exciting update on the highly anticipated sequel, Thanksgiving 2, confirming that the script has been completed and filming is set to commence shortly. This development is sure to thrill fans who have been eagerly awaiting more information about the continuation of this horror franchise.

It has been an incredible journey since the inception of Eli Roth’s slasher faux trailer, Thanksgiving, which was featured in the iconic Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino double feature, Grindhouse. Sixteen long years have elapsed from that moment to the theatrical release of a feature-length version of Thanksgiving. The patience of fans is being rewarded not only with this film but also with a sequel slated to hit theaters in 2025. This news follows the swift announcement of the sequel shortly after the successful debut of the first film. In a recent interview with IndieWire, Roth shared that the script for Thanksgiving 2 is finalized, and production will kick off soon, adding to the excitement surrounding this horror franchise.

Roth’s passion for bringing a feature version of Thanksgiving to life has been evident since he created the faux trailer. He collaborated with Jeff Rendell, who portrayed the murderous pilgrim in the original trailer, to write the screenplay over a decade ago. The project gained momentum thanks to Spyglass Media, which provided the necessary financing. Roth eagerly accepted the opportunity to produce the film, even though it required Tim Miller, known for his work on Deadpool, to step in as the director for the reshoots of his video game adaptation, Borderlands, demonstrating the complexities of film production.

In the production of Thanksgiving, Roth teamed up with Rendell and producer Roger Birnbaum, while Spyglass chairman and CEO Gary Barber, along with president of production Peter Oillataguerre, took on the roles of executive producers. Additionally, Kate Harrison and Greg Denny from Cream Productions Inc. contributed to the project. Oillataguerre and the SVP of Production & Development, Chris Stone, played vital roles in overseeing the project for Spyglass, while Caellum Allan and Kelseigh Coombs managed it on behalf of TriStar, ensuring a collaborative effort for the film’s realization.

For those familiar with the original Thanksgiving trailer, the premise of this slasher film is quite intriguing. The storyline unfolds as follows: After a Black Friday riot leads to a tragic incident, a mysterious killer, inspired by Thanksgiving themes, begins to terrorize Plymouth, Massachusetts—the birthplace of this infamous holiday. This chilling setup promises to delve deeper into the horror genre while exploring the dark undercurrents associated with the holiday.

The cast of the film includes a talented ensemble featuring Nell Verlaque from Big Shot, Rick Hoffman from Hostel, and Patrick Dempsey from Grey’s Anatomy, alongside Addison Rae from He’s All That, Jalen Thomas Brooks from Walker, Milo Manheim from Z-O-M-B-I-E-S, Gina Gershon from Bound, comedian Tim Dillon, who appeared in a TV show called Thanksgiving, Gabriel Davenport from Mistletoe Time Machine, Tomaso Sanelli from Titans, and Jenna Warren from The Young Arsonists. This diverse cast is sure to bring depth and excitement to the sequel.

In his conversation with IndieWire, Roth confirmed that Thanksgiving 2 is currently in “soft prep,” aiming for a production start in late March. Several familiar faces from the original film are expected to return, with Verlaque, Hoffman, and Rae among them. The script has been finalized, and the budget will be similar to that of its predecessor, ensuring a tight and focused production. Roth emphasized, “We’re upping the ante but we are not going to do it with more money. That keeps it tight and lean and mean and forces us to make decisions. There’s a lot of setting up that we did in the first one that we don’t have to deal with now. It can just be all pay-off. … I’ve come up with stuff that is going to be a challenge. And I want it to be a challenge to pull off. 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.” He also hinted at delivering an epic cat-and-mouse chase that fans can look forward to, reminiscent of a standout sequence from the first film and echoing the suspense from Anthony Waller’s film Mute Witness.

Are you excited to learn that Thanksgiving 2 is on track, with the script completed and filming set to begin in just a few months? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below. Your insights and enthusiasm are always welcome!