Christmas Vacation Sequel: The Untold Story of a Holiday Classic

For over thirty years, families have gathered to watch Clark Griswold's holiday disaster. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a true classic. But what about a sequel? Fans have asked this question for decades. This article explores everything about a potential Christmas Vacation sequel. We will look at rumors, facts, and why this movie matters so much. We will also discuss the actors, the story ideas, and the holiday movie industry. Get ready for a deep dive into this beloved film's legacy.

The Lasting Power of Christmas Vacation

Released in 1989, Christmas Vacation was the third film in the Vacation series. It starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold. Beverly D'Angelo played his wife, Ellen. The movie shows their attempt to have a perfect family Christmas. Of course, everything goes wrong. The film was a solid hit. It earned about $71 million at the box office. But its real success came later. It became a staple of holiday television. Box Office Mojo tracks these numbers. The movie's humor about family stress resonates every year.

Why do people love it so much? The characters feel real. Clark's over-the-top dreams are funny. His failures are relatable. The supporting cast is also perfect. Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie is iconic. Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki play the Griswold kids. The film captures the chaos of the holidays. It is a comfort movie for many. This lasting love is why people want a sequel.

Cultural Impact and Annual Traditions

Christmas Vacation is more than a movie. It is a holiday tradition. Television networks play it repeatedly in December. Families quote lines like "Shitter's full!" and "Hallelujah! Holy shit!" The film's imagery is everywhere. You can buy ornaments of the Griswold house. You can find pajamas with the movie's logo. This cultural footprint is huge. A Hollywood Reporter article discusses its 35th anniversary. The movie's staying power is rare.

The Long History of Sequel Rumors

Talk of a sequel started almost immediately. In the 1990s, there were many rumors. Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo often spoke about it. They said they were interested. Writer John Hughes had ideas. But nothing concrete happened. The 1997 film Vegas Vacation was the next sequel. It did not focus on Christmas. Fans were left waiting for a true holiday follow-up.

In the 2000s, rumors heated up again. In 2003, a script titled Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure was written. This was a made-for-TV movie. It came out in 2003. But it was not a true sequel. It did not have Chevy Chase or Beverly D'Angelo. Randy Quaid starred as Eddie. The film was poorly received. Fans and critics did not like it. Rotten Tomatoes shows its very low score. This film is often forgotten.

Modern Rumors and Social Media Hype

In recent years, social media keeps the hope alive. Every December, fans post online. They ask for a real sequel. Chevy Chase has given interviews. In 2015, he said a script was being written. He said it would be about the Griswold grandparents. But again, nothing happened. In 2020, a fake trailer went viral. It used clips from other movies. It fooled many people. This shows the strong desire for a new film. The Snopes fact-check debunked this trailer. The hunger for a sequel is real.

Why a Sequel Is So Complicated

Making a sequel now is very difficult. Many factors work against it. First, the original cast is older. Chevy Chase is now in his 80s. Beverly D'Angelo is in her 60s. Their children in the film, Audrey and Rusty, are adults. Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki have busy careers. Coordinating all these actors is hard. Second, the tone of comedy has changed. The original film has some edgy humor. Modern studios might avoid this. They worry about offending audiences.

Third, there is a high risk. The original is so beloved. A bad sequel could hurt its legacy. Studios are cautious. They do not want to damage a profitable brand. The Vacation franchise tried a reboot in 2015. The film Vacation starred Ed Helms as a grown-up Rusty. It had mixed reviews. It did okay at the box office. But it did not start a new series. This shows the challenge. Variety covered its box office performance.

Legal and Rights Issues

Another big issue is rights. The National Lampoon brand has a complicated history. The original film was based on a John Hughes story. The rights are likely split between several companies. Warner Bros. distributed the original. Today, different studios might control pieces. Sorting this out takes time and money. This legal maze often stops projects before they start.

What Could a Christmas Vacation Sequel Look Like?

Let's imagine a real sequel. What would the story be? Here are some popular fan ideas and possibilities.

Scenario 1: The Next Generation

Rusty and Audrey are now parents. They have their own families. Clark and Ellen are grandparents. The story could follow Rusty trying to create a perfect Christmas. Just like his father did. He would likely fail in similar ways. This would be a direct passing of the torch. It could bring back the original cast for supporting roles. This idea has emotional potential.

Scenario 2: The Griswolds Go on a Trip

Maybe the family does not stay home. Perhaps they take a Christmas trip. A disaster-filled vacation to a snowy lodge. Or a cruise gone wrong. This would mix the travel comedy of other Vacation films with holiday themes. Cousin Eddie could invite himself along. This scenario offers new visual jokes and settings.

Scenario 3: A Legacy Sequel

This is a popular modern style. It brings back original stars years later. Think Creed or Top Gun: Maverick. The story focuses on Clark and Ellen in retirement. Their kids are grown. They are trying to have a quiet Christmas. But old habits and family chaos interrupt. This could be a sweet story about aging and tradition.

Practical Tips: Keeping the Holiday Spirit Alive

While we wait for a sequel, here are ways to enjoy the original spirit.

• Host a Movie Night: Gather friends or family. Watch Christmas Vacation. Serve themed snacks. Maybe have a "Jelly of the Month" club gift.
• Decorate Like Clark: Go all out with your lights. Be safe, of course. But have fun creating a bright display. It brings joy to your neighborhood.
• Create New Traditions: The movie is about family. Start your own silly traditions. A special meal. A game you play every year. These moments become cherished memories.
• Embrace the Imperfect: The film's lesson is that perfect is boring. Your holiday will have flaws. Laugh about them. That is the real Griswold way.

For more on holiday traditions, read our guide on creating family holiday traditions.

Statistics: The Business of Holiday Movies

Let's look at numbers. They show why a sequel could be profitable.

• Annual Viewership: Christmas Vacation still draws millions of TV viewers each year. According to Nielsen, holiday movie ratings are consistently high.
• Streaming Demand: The film is always a top title on streaming services in December. Platforms like HBO Max and Hulu see huge spikes.
• Merchandise Sales: Products related to the film generate steady revenue. This proves the brand is still strong.
• Nostalgia Market: Audiences love nostalgia. Reboots and sequels to 80s and 90s properties often succeed. Data from MPAA reports show this trend.

These facts make a strong business case. A well-made sequel could attract old fans and new viewers.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pitch a Movie Sequel

Ever wonder how a movie gets made? Here is a simple guide based on industry practice.

1. Identify the Core Idea: What is the new story? How does it honor the original? Write a one-page summary. This is called a "pitch."
2. Secure the Rights: You must own or option the rights to the characters. This involves lawyers and negotiations with rights holders.
3. Attach Talent: Get a famous actor or director interested. Their name helps get funding. For a Christmas Vacation sequel, you would need Chevy Chase's blessing.
4. Write the Script: Hire a good screenwriter. The script must be funny and heartfelt. It should please fans.
5. Find a Studio: Pitch the package (rights, talent, script) to a movie studio. They provide the money to make the film.
6. Production: This is the filming stage. It includes casting, shooting, and editing.
7. Marketing and Release: The studio advertises the movie. They choose a release date, ideally near Christmas.

This process takes years. It is why sequel rumors can last for decades.

Real Examples: Successful and Failed Holiday Sequels

Other holiday films have tried sequels. Let's see what we can learn.

Successful Example: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

This 1992 sequel was a major hit. It kept the same formula. A child is left alone. He fights burglars. But the location changed to New York City. It worked because it did not change too much. The core appeal remained. It also had the same star, Macaulay Culkin.

Failed Example: Jingle All the Way 2

The original 1996 film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. A 2014 direct-to-video sequel had none of the original cast. It was cheaply made. It ignored what fans loved. It was a critical and commercial failure. This is a warning. A sequel needs the heart of the original.

For a deeper look at film history, visit the American Film Institute website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure the real sequel?

No. That 2003 TV movie is a spin-off. It is not considered a true sequel by most fans. The main Griswold family is not in it.

2. Has a script for a real sequel ever been written?

Yes, but not a produced one. Over the years, writers have tried. Chevy Chase mentioned a script in 2015. But no script has gotten the green light from a studio.

3. Would the original actors come back?

Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo have said yes in interviews. But it depends on the script and their schedules. It is possible, but not guaranteed.

4. Why is the 2015 Vacation reboot not a Christmas sequel?

That film is a reboot of the entire Vacation series. It follows Rusty as an adult on a summer trip. It is not a Christmas-themed story.

5. What is the biggest obstacle to a sequel?

The biggest obstacle is likely financial and creative risk. Studios are afraid to damage a perfect classic. Getting all the pieces to align is very hard.

6. Could it be an animated film?

That is an interesting idea. An animated sequel could allow the original voices to return. It could also create wild, visual gags. It is a possibility that fans discuss.

7. Where can I watch the original movie?

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation streams on many platforms. Check HBO Max, Hulu, or Amazon Prime during the holiday season. It is also often on cable TV.

Conclusion: The Dream of a Perfect Sequel

The dream of a Christmas Vacation sequel lives on. It lives in the hearts of fans. The original film is a timeless piece of holiday joy. It shows us that family chaos is normal. It tells us to laugh at our mistakes. A sequel would need to capture that same spirit. It would need to be funny, warm, and a little chaotic.

Maybe one day it will happen. Until then, we have the original. We can watch it every year. We can quote the lines. We can put up too many lights. We can keep the Griswold spirit alive in our own homes. That is the true legacy of Clark Griswold's Christmas. It is not about a perfect movie. It is about imperfect, hilarious, and loving family time. And that is a sequel we can all write ourselves, every single year.

For more stories about classic films and travel, explore our stories section.