Home Morte

The Truth About Christmas Vacation 3: Debunking 2025 Rumors And The Griswold Family's Future

• minute read
Contents

The enduring mystery of a true sequel to the beloved 1989 classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, continues to fuel holiday speculation every year. As of December 20, 2025, the persistent viral rumors promising a new film, often erroneously titled Christmas Vacation 3 or Christmas Vacation Redux, remain unconfirmed and are largely considered to be false. Fans are desperate for another chapter featuring Clark and Ellen Griswold, but the path to a new, official sequel has been complicated by franchise history and the lack of recent, concrete studio announcements. This article cuts through the noise to deliver the freshest information on the status of a potential return to the Griswold family's chaotic holiday.

While the original 1989 film is a staple of holiday viewing, the confusion over a "Christmas Vacation 3" stems from the complex naming convention of the *National Lampoon's Vacation* series. The film that fans universally love, *National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation*, is, in fact, the third installment in the overall franchise, following National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) and National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985). The search for a new sequel is, therefore, a search for a true *Christmas Vacation 2* or the fifth film in the main *Vacation* series, and the most recent updates shed light on why it hasn't happened yet.

The Griswold Family Christmas Filmography: An Essential Guide

To understand the demand for a "Christmas Vacation 3," it is crucial to clarify the existing filmography. The franchise has a confusing history of sequels, spin-offs, and soft reboots that explain why fans are still hoping for a proper follow-up to the 1989 masterpiece. The following list details the core films and the often-forgotten, straight-to-video sequel.

  • National Lampoon's Vacation (1983): The original road trip adventure, establishing Clark Griswold's relentless pursuit of the perfect family vacation.
  • National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985): The second film, which sent the family overseas for more slapstick chaos.
  • National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989): The third film in the series, and the one considered by many to be the best. This is the film the audience is seeking a sequel to, often calling it "Christmas Vacation 3" by mistake, or looking for a "Christmas Vacation 2" that stars the main family.
  • National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure (2003): This made-for-television film is the official sequel to the 1989 Christmas film, but it focuses almost entirely on Randy Quaid's character, Cousin Eddie, and his family. Crucially, Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold does not appear in this installment. The film was poorly received and is often ignored by fans and critics.
  • Vacation (2015): A soft reboot/sequel that centered on an adult Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) taking his own family on a disastrous road trip, with cameo appearances by Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo.

The low critical score of the 2003 Cousin Eddie spin-off, which scored a dismal 28% on Rotten Tomatoes, is a major reason why Warner Bros. has been hesitant to greenlight a direct, new sequel to the Christmas sub-series.

Debunking the 'Christmas Vacation 3' Sequel Rumors for 2025

Every holiday season, social media is flooded with posts and articles claiming a new sequel is on the way, often featuring a fake poster or a clickbait headline. These rumors, which have circulated for years, have recently focused on a supposed 2025 release date, but they remain unsubstantiated.

The 'Redux' and 'Christmas Vacation 5' Hoaxes

One of the most persistent rumors involves a project called National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Redux or sometimes Christmas Vacation 5. These posts typically promise the return of Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo as Clark and Ellen Griswold, now dealing with the holiday chaos of their adult children. However, fact-checking sources have repeatedly confirmed that these viral posts are hoaxes. There is no official production listing, no script, and no confirmed cast for a project with this title or premise.

The intention behind these viral posts is often to generate engagement, capitalizing on the immense nostalgia and the clear fan desire for a new, proper sequel that ignores the 2003 Cousin Eddie film. For the 2024-2025 holiday season, fans should exercise caution and rely only on official announcements from Warner Bros. or reputable film news outlets.

The Status of Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo

Despite the lack of an official film, the stars of the original movie have continued to show their love for the franchise, keeping the hope for a sequel alive. Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo have reunited multiple times in recent years, not for a movie, but for promotional events and commercials.

  • Cast Chemistry: D'Angelo has often spoken publicly about her bond with Chase, describing him as being "like a brother" and noting the immediate chemistry they shared that lasted through all the Clark and Ellen Griswold installments. This strong, enduring relationship is often cited by fans as a reason why a sequel could still work.
  • Improvisation and Legacy: D'Angelo has also shared stories from the set of the 1989 film, highlighting the collaborative and improvisational nature of the production, particularly in the famous climactic rant scene. This suggests the core comedic talent is still available and connected to the material.

While their reunions are not a confirmation of a new film, they demonstrate that the actors are willing to revisit their iconic roles, making a potential sequel a possibility if the right script and studio backing were to materialize.

What Would a True 'Christmas Vacation 2' Look Like?

If Warner Bros. were to finally greenlight a proper follow-up—essentially a *Christmas Vacation 2* that ignores the Cousin Eddie spin-off and the 2015 reboot—it would likely follow the formula of the most successful holiday sequels: passing the torch to the next generation.

Plot Potential: Rusty and Audrey's Holiday

The most logical narrative path for a new Griswold Christmas movie would focus on an adult Rusty and Audrey, with Clark and Ellen returning in supporting roles as the grandparents. This structure would mirror the 2015 Vacation film, but place the action firmly back in the Christmas setting that fans adore. The plot could center on:

  • The Grandparent Trap: Clark and Ellen trying to host the perfect, old-fashioned family Christmas for their children and grandchildren, only to have their meticulously planned holiday descend into trademark Griswold chaos.
  • Passing the Torch: Rusty or Audrey attempting to manage their own family's disastrous Christmas, with Clark's over-the-top, perfectionist energy now manifesting in the next generation.
  • A Modern Christmas: The humor could be updated to reflect modern holiday stresses, such as social media-fueled perfectionism, excessive smart-home technology failures, or the pressures of a blended family Christmas.

Topical Authority: The Enduring Appeal

The reason National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation remains a cultural touchstone is its topical authority on the universal stress of the holidays. The film taps into a core truth: the gap between the idealized, commercialized Christmas and the messy reality of family gatherings. Any successful sequel would need to capture that same spirit, blending slapstick comedy with genuine heart and a commentary on modern holiday expectations. The movie's legacy is so strong that it has become a true Christmas tradition for millions.

Ultimately, while "Christmas Vacation 3" is not currently on the 2025 release schedule, the continued interest, the viral rumors, and the willingness of Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo to engage with the franchise prove that the demand for a new Griswold Christmas is as strong as ever. Until an official announcement is made, fans will continue to re-watch the 1989 classic, knowing that somewhere out there, Clark Griswold is still searching for the perfect Christmas.

The Truth About Christmas Vacation 3: Debunking 2025 Rumors and The Griswold Family's Future
christmas vacation 3
christmas vacation 3

Detail Author:

  • Name : Shannon Lind
  • Username : eddie17
  • Email : kamron.schmidt@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1976-09-20
  • Address : 43469 Frami Gardens Port Darylmouth, IN 75105-6149
  • Phone : 1-949-861-4588
  • Company : Corwin-Schultz
  • Job : Government Property Inspector
  • Bio : Odio nobis ab sit alias voluptas vitae laborum. Aut atque quos qui et non labore. Quia molestiae cum corrupti optio et vel. Porro minus ipsum voluptate iste nesciunt.

Socials

tiktok:

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/keeleyullrich
  • username : keeleyullrich
  • bio : Ut voluptatibus eum ullam eum. Quia amet aspernatur atque. Ut nostrum omnis sapiente totam eveniet.
  • followers : 2838
  • following : 536

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/keeley_ullrich
  • username : keeley_ullrich
  • bio : Ipsum incidunt quo excepturi ut omnis hic dolorum. Maiores earum ipsum non cupiditate ipsa consequatur. Ipsum repellat omnis cumque et odio similique.
  • followers : 2945
  • following : 2270

facebook:

Random Posts