posted 03-19-2011 08:36 PM                

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The raunchy 2003 comedy BAD SANTA has become a non-traditional holiday favorite over the past several years, and star Billy Bob Thornton has previously expressed interest in reprising the role of a booze-soaked mall Santa.

Looks like he was serious about slipping into the red suit again -- the Weinstein Co. and Miramax are currently having official discussions with the actor for BAD SANTA 2.

"We feel that it’s a Christmas perennial for the R-rated crowd," a Weinstein Co. human told TheWrap. "Everyone loves the character and Billy Bob’s excited to be in talks with us."

The original movie featured Thornton as a cranky alcoholic crook who uses the guise of department store Claus to scope out heists, until an underhanded mall detective, an angry partner, a sexy bartender and a chubby outcast kid complicate matters.

No word yet on whether director Terry Zwigoff, producers Joel and Ethan Coen, or any of the original stars (except Bernie Mac or John Ritter, unfortunately) will be involved with the sequel.

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