AEW Star MJF Joins 'Violent Night 2' Cast

AEW wrestling star Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known as MJF, is expanding his acting career by joining the cast of the upcoming action-comedy sequel Violent Night 2, set for release on December 4, 2026. The film will see David Harbour reprise his role as a combat-ready Santa Claus, with returning writer duo Pat Casey and Josh Miller and director Tommy Wirkola. MJF, who recently married fellow AEW star Alicia Atout, has previously appeared in Netflix's Happy Gilmore 2 and the critically acclaimed The Iron Claw, marking his growing presence in Hollywood. The sequel promises to continue the original's blend of holiday themes and bloody mayhem, with new cast additions including Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, Kristen Bell, and Jared Harris. While specific details of MJF's role remain undisclosed, his casting underscores his rising crossover appeal from professional wrestling to major film projects. Concurrently, MJF is preparing for an AEW match against Mark Briscoe at All Out on September 20, highlighting his active wrestling schedule alongside his film work.