AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman has landed another major Hollywood role. A report from Deadline on Tuesday confirmed that MJF has been cast in “Violent Night 2,” the sequel to the successful 2022 action-comedy film. He will be joining a star-studded cast that includes the returning David Harbour (“Stranger Things”) as Santa Claus, as well as new additions Kristen Bell (“Frozen,” “Veronica Mars”) and Jared Harris (“Chernobyl,” “Foundation”). The film is scheduled to be released by Universal Pictures on December 4, 2026. While details regarding MJF’s specific role have not yet been revealed, his inclusion in such a high-profile project marks the most significant step in his burgeoning acting career to date.
This casting news continues a busy and successful period for MJF outside of the wrestling ring. He recently appeared as Happy Gilmore’s son, Gordie, in the highly anticipated Netflix sequel “Happy Gilmore 2.” His other credits include playing Lance Von Erich in the 2023 A24 biopic “The Iron Claw,” a role in the 2025 film “The Floaters,” and voice work as the character Killer Croc in the animated movie “Justice League × RWBY.” Meanwhile, he remains a top star in AEW, where he is scheduled for two major matches in September: a Mask vs. Championship match against the legendary Místico at the CMLL 92nd Anniversary Show on September 19, followed by a grudge match against Mark Briscoe at the AEW All Out pay-per-view on September 20.
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