‘Bad Santa 2,’ directed by Mark Waters, premiered in New York City on Tuesday night at AMC Loews Lincoln Square.
In the film, Billy Bob Thornton reprises his role as the titular character, a drunken, irreverent, loser of a Santa clause who teams up with his angry little partner (Tony Cox), and his criminal mother (Kathy Bates) in order to rob a Chicago charity. I recently had the chance to talk with actors Cristina Rosato, Jeff Skowron, Jenny Zigrino, and Ryan Hansen about the film on the red carpet.
Cristina Rosato
What’s it like to be in the sequel of such a classic holiday movie?
CR: It’s amazing because ‘Bad Santa’ is one of my favorite movies, so it was kind of surreal when I found out they were making it. And then I got the part, so that’s great.
What is it about the original that makes it so amazing?
CR: I just think it’s a great blend of what you wouldn’t expect for Christmas. It’s vulgar, raunchy, and Billy Bob’s character is so good, he’s so perfect for that role.
Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
CR: I play Alice Johnson, and I work with the Goodworks charity, which is the charity that Billy Bob and Tony Cox come to work for.
Jeff Skowron
What’s it like to be in the sequel of such a classic holiday movie?
JS: It was terrific. I’m a huge fan of the first movie; I’ve always been a huge fan of the first movie. And then when I get cast in the sequel of one of my favorite movies… it was incredible.
What do you think it was about the first movie that people fell in love with?
JS: I think that people like the antithesis of the saccharine you’re-suppose –to, and must-be, and have-to-be happy Christmas movies. I think in this one you can go through other emotions, and be a little pissed off sometimes. I think people like that. I mean who isn’t pissed off on Christmas?
Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
JS: I play Dorfman. He’s the security guard of the charity that is Willie and Marcus’s next target of crime.
In the spirit of the holidays, what is the true meaning of Christmas?
JS: The true meaning of Christmas? I mean just being nice to each other everyday.
Jenny Zigrino
What’s it like to be in the sequel of such a classic holiday movie?
JZ: It was pretty surreal. It was amazing to be a part of something that you kind of grew up on and loved… and then, you’re in it, and you’re a part of the story and the narrative. So yea, being a part of this was great. I mean Billy Bob, Kathy Bates, Christina Hendricks, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly! Like do I have to name everyone? Cause they’re all amazing.
And you?
JZ: Oh I’m whatever.
What do you think made the original film so beloved?
JZ: I think it was so nice to see a different take on Santa; that he’s not heartwarming, and he’s not for you, and he’s not here to make Christmas better. He’s here to fuck you up, and that was beautiful.
Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
JZ: So my character is Gina DeLuca, and I am a security guard and the love interest of several characters, perhaps a foil, I would say.
In the spirit of the holidays, what is the true meaning of Christmas?
JZ: The meaning of Christmas is gifts gifts gifts gifts gifts, and don’t let anybody tell you differently. It’s not about love and all that bullshit, it’s about money and big screen TV’s, and Vitamixes.
Ryan Hansen
What’s it like to be in the sequel of such a classic holiday movie?
RH: It was really fun for me because I’m a huge fan of the first one. Didn’t see it in theaters, but my friend told me about it, and now I watch it like every year. So to get to be in something that you like already is pretty cool.
Aside from Brett Kelly, what is it about the first movie that everyone fell in love with?
RH: That is true; everyone did fall in love with Brett Kelly. Well for me, Billy Bob and Tony are so good together, and they’re so funny and filthy, so that.
Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
RH: No, totally top secret. I play a character named Regent Hastings and I run a non-profit called the Giving City? Giving City. I’m married to Christina Hendrix, and kind of a douche bag, so that’s me.
What is the true meaning of Christmas?
RH: Um, the birth of Jesus?
Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.
‘Bad Santa 2’ comes out November 23.
