It’s Christmas again. Ralphie is coming home, so leave the lights on. Preferably, the leg lamp.
A sequel to the beloved 1983 holiday classic, “A Christmas Story,” is in the works, with Peter Billingsley returning to reprise his role as Ralphie -- only this time, as an adult, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Billingsley will also be the film’s executive producer.
Legendary and Warner Bros. have closed a deal for Billingsley to star in and produce the feature for HBO Max, Entertainment Weekly reported. The sequel will be called “A Christmas Story Christmas.”
The sequel will be directed by Clay Kaytis, who has already done “The Christmas Chronicles” for Netflix, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The script was written by Nick Schenk, who penned screenplays for Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino,” “The Mule” and “Cry Macho.”
The original movie was set in 1940 and followed Ralphie, played by Billingsley. Ralphie’s only obsession as a child is to get a Red Ryder BB rifle for Christmas.
The sequel follows an adult version of Ralphie during the 1970s, Entertainment Weekly reported. Ralphie returns to his original house on Cleveland Street to deliver a magical Christmas to his children. He reconnects with childhood friends and comes to grips with the death of his “Old Man,” played by Darren McGavin in the original.
‘A Christmas Story’ Sequel Set With Original Star Peter Billingsley https://t.co/7DCyVtBKIs
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 20, 2022
After his signature role, Billingsley went behind the camera, becoming a director for films like “Couples Retreat,” according to Deadline. He also produced the Broadway hit “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” which received three Tony Award nominations, the website reported.
Billingsley also produced “Dinner For Five,” which was nominated for an Emmy, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Production for “A Christmas Story Christmas” will begin in February and will be shot in Hungary, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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