Tyrese Gibson Joins Kurt Russell in Netflix's 'The Christmas Chronicles 2' (Exclusive)

Chris Columbus is directing the sequel.

Tyrese Gibson has joined the cast of The Christmas Chronicles 2, Netflix’s sequel to its surprise 2018 holiday hit.

Darlene Love, who appeared in the classic Lethal Weapon movies, has also joined the call sheet, which already includes Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, who are reprising their roles as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Also returning are Darby Camp, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Judah Lewis.

Chris Columbus, who was a producer on the original film, co-wrote the follow-up's script (with Matt Lieberman) and is directing.

The story picks up after the first movie when Camp’s character, Kate, a little snowflake of a believer but now a cynical teenager, is unexpectedly reunited with Santa when a mysterious and magical being named Belsnickel threatens to destroy Christmas forever.

Gibson will portray the boyfriend of Williams-Paisley, who plays the mother of Kate and her brother Teddy (Lewis).

Shooting is now underway, with the goal of a holiday release next year. Columbus is producing with Mark Radcliffe and Michael Bernathan.

Gibson is coming off the crime thriller Black and Blue and is gearing up for a big 2020. The actor returns to the Fast and Furious franchise with the ninth installment, set to open May 22, and will also be seen in Sony’s Marvel-based movie Morbius. The latter, starring Jared Leto, is due to be released July 31.

Gibson is repped by APA , Voltron Management, and Pearlman Tishbi.