AceShowbiz - Eli Roth's upcoming "Thanksgiving" sequel has secured the return of at least one key player, Addison Rae. Roth, speaking to Variety at the premiere of his new film "Borderlands", revealed that Rae's character in the first "Thanksgiving" definitely survived for a reason. "We kept her alive for a reason," Roth said. "It doesn't feel like a Thanksgiving movie without Addison Rae."

Rae's character, Gaby, was one of the few major characters to make it through the original film's bloodbath. Her survival was no accident, according to Roth, who teased that her return in the sequel was highly likely.

While Rae's casting has been confirmed, none of the other cast members from the first film have yet been officially announced for "Thanksgiving 2". However, it is expected that lead Nell Verlaque and other survivors such as Gabriel Davenport, Milo Manheim and Jalen Thomas Brooks will also be returning.

"Thanksgiving 2" is set to hit theaters sometime in 2025, and Roth will once again write and direct. The sequel will take place during Thanksgiving, as did the first film.

Roth and co-writer Jeff Rendell are currently putting the finishing touches on the script for "Thanksgiving 2", which they will soon submit to the studio.

The first "Thanksgiving", inspired by a fake movie trailer Roth directed for "Grindhouse", grossed $46 million worldwide against a $15 million budget. The film has also performed well on streaming services.

Roth expressed his desire to expand the franchise beyond "Thanksgiving", but emphasized that the focus now is on getting the sequel right. "Thanksgiving 2" is expected to be released around November 2025.