Kurt Russell on the Future of Santa Claus Films and His Iconic Role
By Published May 6, 2026, 2:24 PM EDT Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
Kurt Russell has revealed whether his Netflix film series will receive a third installment someday.
In an interview with , Russell admitted that even though he loved working on both Christmas Chronicles movies, he doesn't see Netflix greenlighting a threequel. The actor believes that the popular streamer's algorithms are the reason why the franchise won't continue.
"They deal with their algorithms, and I've always felt that it expanded their markets so fast on the first one, and the second one did pretty much the same thing," he explained. At this point, Netflix likely doesn't see how another film will expand its audience. This is the brutal reality of the streaming era, with Russell adding, "I don't know if they'll ever do [another] one or not."
"They deal with their algorithms, and I've always felt that it expanded their markets so fast on the first one, and the second one did pretty much the same thing. Once you've got what you’ve got, how much is a third one gonna garner you in terms of an expanded audience? That's the reality for things that are done on a lot of the streaming networks. I don't know if they'll ever do [another] one or not, but I loved playing the character. I love playing Santa Claus…my take on Santa Claus is what you see."
Even though it appears that the franchise has come to an end after just two films, Russell had nothing but praise for and the filming process, including working with filmmaker Chris Columbus, who is best known for directing Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire and the first two Harry Potter films.
Getting the chance to play such a beloved character as Santa Claus was a highlight for Russell because Christmas has always been a big deal in his family. In fact, his father would dress up as Santa, so Russell wanted to join The Christmas Chronicles as a way to pay tribute to him.
"I love that role. I loved it. I loved working with Chris Columbus. I loved what the result was. I loved both of the movies. I loved the involvement that I had in them, and I loved the character. I love playing Santa Claus because it was a big thing in my life with my family. My dad was a tremendous Santa Claus, and with real, viable reasons to believe that he was, and so I wanted to take that into that for Netflix."
In the first Christmas Chronicles movie, sister and brother Kate and Teddy hide out in Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve, but their reckless decision leads to the sleigh crashing. The kids work together with Santa to save Christmas before the biggest holiday of the year is ruined.
Aside from Russell, the film also stars Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Oliver Hudson, Lamorne Morris, Martin Roach, Vella Lovell, Tony Nappo, Steven van Zandt, Jeff Teravainen and Goldie Hawn (Russell's real-life partner of 43 years).
Russell, Hawn and several other two years later. When one of Santa's former elves vows to wreak havoc on the North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Kate do everything possible to save Christmas once again.
Both films received positive-to-mixed reviews from critics, who gave The Christmas Chronicles a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 66% score.
It's now been six years since the second film was released, and Netflix has yet to greenlight , which means Russell's assessment is likely correct.
After filming The Christmas Chronicles movies, the actor went on to star in projects like F9, Marvel's What If...?, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (which recently concluded its second season) and Taylor Sheridan's The Madison, while Hawn appeared in the documentary I'm Chevy Chase and You're Not and docuseries Gutsy.
Cast
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Lamorne Morris -
Darby Camp
Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Expand Collapse
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