Although the original Bad Santa came out more than 10 years ago, that hasn't stopped fans from campaigning for a sequel. Now, it looks like they may get their wish as star Billy Bob Thornton will reprise his role for Bad Santa 2.

Miramax and Broadgreen Pictures announced yesterday that they had finally given the green light to the sequel following three years of talks, according to Deadline.

Thornton will reprise his role as the despicable criminal Willie Stokes who pretends to be Santa Claus at various malls in order to gain access to stores on Christmas Eve and steal as much as he can.

There's no word from the studios on who may helm the project, but Braodgreen Pictures CCO Danie Hammond said in a statement that he was very excited to finally bring the sequel to the big screen.

Bad Santa 2 will start principal photography in January with the studios aiming for a holiday release.