Washington, June 12 -- Tommy Wirkola is set to return to the director's chair for 'Violent Night 2', the sequel to the 2022 Christmas-themed action film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

According to sources, Universal has scheduled the sequel for release on December 4, 2026.

David Harbour will once again play the lead role of a rough-around-the-edges Santa Claus, who finds himself in the midst of a violent battle.

In the first film, Harbour's character was a bitter drunk who rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas with the help of a young girl.

It's unclear if his character's newfound lucidity will remain intact in the sequel.

Kelly McCormick and David Leitch of 87North will produce the film, with Pat Casey and Josh Miller ret...