Get ready for a holiday horror like no other – Santa is trading his gift bag for a blood-soaked rampage in the upcoming Silent Night, Deadly Night remake! But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this reimagining of a Christmas classic a bold twist on tradition or a step too far into the macabre? Earlier this year, Cineverse, the studio behind the Terrifier franchise, announced its production of this chilling remake, with writer/director Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn reboot) at the helm. Teaming up with Bloody Disgusting and Iconic Events Releasing, the film is set to hit theaters on December 12th, just in time to turn your holiday cheer into holiday fear.
Back in July, a teaser trailer surfaced online, giving fans a glimpse of the terror to come. Now, IGN has unveiled a quick promo (https://youtu.be/kElRLw3J_rE) that’s sure to send shivers down your spine. And this is the part most people miss: The original 1984 film, directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr. and written by Michael Hickey, sparked outrage for its graphic violence and twisted take on Santa Claus. The story follows Billy, an 18-year-old haunted by the brutal murder of his parents by a killer in a Santa suit. When he’s forced to don the same costume at his department store job, the trauma triggers a lethal rampage that’s as shocking as it is divisive.
The remake stars Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends) as Billy Chapman, who revisits the character’s descent into madness with a modern twist. Joining him is Ruby Modine (Happy Death Day) as Pamela, the object of Billy’s unrequited affection. The cast also includes Mark Acheson (Brand New Cherry Flavor), David Lawrence Brown (The Pinkertons), and David Tomlinson (Fellow Travelers).
Here’s the remake’s chilling synopsis: A reimagining of the controversial 1984 cult horror classic – When Billy witnesses his parents’ grisly murder on Christmas Eve at the hands of Santa, it ignites a lifelong mission to spread holiday fear. Every Christmas, he dons the jolly red suit and delivers a blood-soaked massacre to feed his twisted sense of justice. This Christmas Eve, Billy wants to know: “Have you been naughty?”
Behind the scenes, the film is produced by Scott Schneid and Dennis Whitehead, the original’s producers, alongside Jamie R. Thompson (New Dimension), Erik Bernard (Rebel 6), and Jeremy Torrie (White Bear Films). Executive producers include Steven Schneider, Anthony Masi, and Matthew Helderman (Bondit Media Capital), among others. Financing comes from Bondit Media Capital and the Royal Bank of Canada.
Here’s the burning question: Will this remake honor the original’s cult status or spark a new wave of controversy? Watch the promo below and decide for yourself. Are you brave enough to face a killer Santa this December? Let us know in the comments – and don’t say we didn’t warn you!