When it launched on Netflix in 2018, “The Christmas Chronicles” was a huge success for the streaming giant. 20 million people saw it in the first week alone, and it sparked a sequel in which Kurt Russell returned as the super-hip, stern Santa Claus and accompanied kids on yet another mission to preserve Christmas.
Children Kate and Teddy, who sneak inside Santa’s sleigh after he visits their house, are the main characters of the first “Christmas Chronicles” movie. As a result, the sleigh breaks down. All the gifts that jovial Saint Nick was supposed to deliver by Christmas morning are lost as Santa’s reindeer disperse and the sleigh comes to a sudden stop with a crash. The sequel, “The Christmas Chronicles 2,” where “Harry Potter” and “Home Alone” director Chris Columbus added his own filmmaking magic, explores the straightforward tale on a larger scale.
The sequel brought to life the real Santa Claus legend, making the franchise a beloved holiday staple. Who wouldn’t want to go back to the world “The Christmas Chronicles” created, perhaps in a third book?
Kurt Russell Seems To Be Interested
Actor Kurt Russell is intrigued by the prospect of doing another holiday movie, even though Columbus and Netflix haven’t discussed any plans to continue the franchise. The actor said in a New York Times interview that he might be open to it even though he had “no idea” what Netflix’s plans were. Russell admitted that despite his early disbelief in sequels, he has become fond of the concept in recent years.
“I’ve never been big on sequels, but that was 50, 40, 30 years ago. Now sequels aren’t even sequels anymore. We’ve just cyclically found our way around to making television. You go to the movies and you’re seeing television because there’s a serial aspect to it.”
Russell’s wife, Academy Award–winning actress Goldie Hawn, appeared briefly as Mrs. Claus in the original movie and reprised the role in the follow-up. Hawn compared the “The Christmas Chronicles” setting to the vast film universe created by Marvel Studios during the discussion.
Chris Columbus Speaks Out
In an interview with ComicBook.com, “The Christmas Chronicles 2” director Chris Columbus discussed the potential for a third film. The movie’s “poignant” sequence, in which Goldie Hawn’s Mrs. Claus expresses her joy at having “genuine children in the village again,” was a point of reflection for the director. The unsettling statement she makes is never explained in the film, leaving viewers to speculate as to whether she has been hiding something. It would be wonderful to watch the genesis story of Mrs. Claus in a different movie because she is a character that hasn’t been explored as much.
Columbus clarified that he hasn’t yet had any conversations about making another film and that he doesn’t know what a third instalment would involve. But he’s willing to expand the Christmas-themed universe that the franchise established! He told the publication, “It’s interesting because right now I can’t even imagine what the third potential movie may be. However, we’re set up to further expand this world’s accessibility.
Chris Columbus’ comments suggest that if a third movie gets the streamer’s approval, it might focus on Mrs. Claus and delve more into her character’s backstory.
We’re hoping to hear anything before Christmas!
