“Mean Girls” helmer to direct Billy Bob Thornton's “Bad Santa 2”

PanARMENIAN.Net - “Mean Girls” director Mark Waters has signed on to direct “Bad Santa 2,” which sees the return of Billy Bob Thornton and his original co-stars Tony Cox and Brett Kelly, TheWrap said, citing an individual familiar with the project.

Miramax and Broad Green Pictures are co-financing the sequel, which the latter company will distribute in U.S. theaters during the 2016 holiday season.

The script will be credited to “Entourage” creator Doug Ellin, as well as Johnny Rosenthal and Shauna Cross. Plot details are being kept under wraps.

Geyer Kosinski will produce the sequel to 2003’s foul-mouthed cult comedy, which will be executive produced by Adam Fields. Production will start in January in Montreal.

Sierra/Affinity will begin shopping “Bad Santa 2” to international buyers at the upcoming American Film Market. David Thwaites will oversee the project for Miramax and Victor Moyers for Broad Green.

Waters’ “Mean Girls” grossed $129 million worldwide, while his “Freaky Friday” remake — also starring Lindsay Lohan — grossed $160 million worldwide. He last directed the little-seen “Vampire Academy” and Jim Carrey‘s family comedy “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.”

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news.