The trailer for Thanksgiving 2 (2025) gives horror fans a glimpse into Eli Roth’s continuation of his slasher franchise. Following the success of the original Thanksgiving, Roth quickly announced his intentions for a sequel, which will bring back key characters and further develop the twisted story of John Carver, the masked killer terrorizing Plymouth, Massachusetts. This time, Carver’s wrath is set to escalate as he seeks vengeance not only for past Black Friday tragedies but also on a deeper, more personal level against the townspeople who failed to learn from the previous massacre.
The sequel promises more intense psychological tension and brutal action as it explores the trauma and emotional aftermath experienced by the survivors. Returning lead character Jess (Nell Verlaque) is expected to face off once again with Carver, navigating both survival and the unraveling relationships among friends and family scarred by the first film’s events. Roth and writer Jeff Rendell have reportedly taken time off to create a script that honors the original while raising the stakes, aiming to delve deeper into the characters’ psyches and motivations.
In terms of budget, while specific figures haven’t been released, the success of Thanksgiving suggests an increase in funding for the sequel, as Roth plans to amplify both production quality and horror elements. With a projected release date in November 2025, Thanksgiving 2 is expected to be a slasher hit during the holiday season, drawing from the chilling atmospheres of franchises like Halloween and Scream. Roth’s ambition is to solidify Thanksgiving as a staple horror franchise, infusing dark satire with suspenseful storytelling that keeps audiences on edge.
