When Miramax and the Weinstein Company announced back in December that they were teaming up to produce sequels to all kinds of Miramax hits, like Shakespeare in Love and Swingers, it was possible to just stick your head in the sand and pretend they were bluffing. After all, they couldn't be crazy enough to risk ruining the sterling reputations of some of their greatest hits. Right?

Wrong. Today the first of those planned sequels is shaping up as a reality, as The Wrap reports that Billy Bob Thornton is officially in negotiations for Bad Santa 2. Thornton himself had mentioned back in November, before the Miramax/Weinstein news even hit, that he'd like to do a sequel, so it's not like he's being dragged into this kicking and screaming. The Weinstein Company spokesperson who talked to The Wrap spun it this way:

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

We couldn't agree more about Bad Santa being a Christmas perennial, but that still doesn't mean a sequel is necessary. Though really, who knows-- the movie is all about Thornton and his performance, and if he's on board and enthusiastic he might be able to bring the magic yet again. Are you guys willing to be optimistic on this one?