Here’s a shocking truth: despite the massive buzz surrounding Thanksgiving 2, the highly anticipated sequel is still stuck in limbo. But here’s where it gets controversial—while fans are eagerly awaiting John Carver’s return, scheduling conflicts are throwing a wrench in the works. Let’s break it down.
Just two weeks after the first film slashed its way into theaters in 2023, TriStar announced plans for Thanksgiving 2, aiming for a 2025 holiday release. Sounds perfect, right? Wrong. And this is the part most people miss—key cast members like Addison Rae and Milo Manheim are tied up with other projects, from Rae’s touring commitments to Manheim’s role in the live-action Tangled remake. It’s a classic case of too many stars, too little time.
Director Eli Roth, however, remains unfazed. In a recent interview with Variety, he assured fans, “Everybody wants to do it. I’m gonna have it locked and loaded, and we’ll find a time when we’re all available. We’ll just go back for a few weeks and have fun.” Roth’s confidence is infectious, but the question lingers: when will the stars align? Is it fair to keep fans waiting, or should the studio consider recasting to meet deadlines? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Roth, who co-wrote the script with Jeff Rendell, promises to up the ante in the sequel—but not with a bigger budget. “I want it to be a challenge to pull off,” he teased in an earlier interview with Bloody Disgusting. “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.” Bold words, but will they pay off? Could this low-budget approach backfire, or will it elevate the horror to new heights?
For those unfamiliar, the first Thanksgiving film takes a dark twist on Black Friday, introducing a killer with a sinister plan tied to the holiday’s origins in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It’s a fresh take on slasher films, blending gore with a chilling narrative. But with Thanksgiving 2 on hold, Roth isn’t sitting idle. He’s juggling projects like Ice Cream Man and Don’t Go in That House, Bitch!, starring Snoop Dogg, as well as a Hostel TV series for Peacock. With so many irons in the fire, is Roth spreading himself too thin, or is this the mark of a true horror visionary?
As we wait for Thanksgiving 2, one thing’s clear: Roth’s passion for the project is undeniable. But in the world of Hollywood, passion alone doesn’t always cut it. Will the sequel live up to the hype, or will it become another victim of production delays? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the debate alive!
