Carving a New Nightmare: ‘Thanksgiving 2’ Set to Slash into Cinemas in 2025

A new cinematic terror lurks, one that slashes through the serene image of Thanksgiving with a blend of horror and dark humor. “Thanksgiving 2,” helmed by the audacious Eli Roth, emerges as a sequel to a film that originated from a fictitious trailer, a spark that ignited a full-blown horror phenomenon. With a slated release in 2025, the anticipation for this continuation builds upon the surprisingly robust success of its predecessor. The original “Thanksgiving” movie, a low-budget splatter fest set in Plymouth, Massachusetts, turned heads and raked in profits, grossing over $30 million against a modest $15 million budget​​​​​​​​​​​​​​…. even if we thought it was okay in our “Thanksgiving” review.

The original film, rooted in the aftermath of a Black Friday tragedy, introduced a masked killer targeting those deemed responsible for the chaos. This narrative, intertwined with a cast that included the likes of Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, and Milo Manheim, culminated in a blend of grotesque killings and unexpected twists. Roth’s vision, unapologetically bold and gory, paid homage to the slasher genre while carving its unique place in horror cinema​​.

As for “Thanksgiving 2,” details remain shrouded in mystery, but Roth promises a sequel that surpasses the original in every aspect (duh!). He, alongside screenwriter Jeff Rendell, vows to take a year off solely to craft the script, ensuring it outshines its predecessor. The commitment to elevating the sequel’s quality, both in narrative and execution, indicates Roth’s dedication to not just replicate, but innovate within the horror genre​​.

The announcement of the sequel immediately sparked a buzz in the horror community, a testament to Roth’s influence and the film’s cult status. The journey from a mere conceptual trailer to a lucrative film franchise encapsulates the unpredictable nature of cinema, where ideas, however outlandish, can find ground and flourish. “Thanksgiving 2” thus not only continues a story but symbolizes the power of creativity and the unpredictable trajectory of film-making​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. Now, if only it could be good.