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{{Short description|2015 film by Michael Dougherty}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name= Krampus
| image = Krampus poster.jpg
| alt =
| image = Krampus poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| alt =
| director = [[Michael Dougherty]]
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| writer = {{Plainlist|
| director = [[Michael Dougherty]]
| producer = {{Plainlist|
* Alex Garcia
* Jon Jashni
* Michael Dougherty
* [[Thomas Tull]]
}}
| writer = {{Plainlist|
* Todd Casey
* Todd Casey
* Michael Dougherty
* Michael Dougherty
* Zach Shields
* Zach Shields
}}
}}
<!-- LEGENDS AND FOLKLORE FIGURES GENERALLY SHOULDN'T BE IN "BASED ON", DUE TO THE NO CLEAR SOURCE AND/OR AUTHOR. ONLY EXCEPTIONS IF CREDITED DIRECTLY OR FROM RELIGIOUS TEXT. -->
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| producer = {{Plainlist|
* [[Thomas Tull]]
* Jon Jashni
* Alex Garcia
* Michael Dougherty
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|<!--Per poster billing-->
* [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]]
* [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]]
* [[Toni Collette]]
* [[Toni Collette]]
Line 26: Line 29:
* Krista Stadler
* Krista Stadler
}}
}}
| cinematography = [[Jules O'Loughlin]]
| narrator =
| music = [[Douglas Pipes]]
| editing = [[John Axelrad]]
| music = [[Douglas Pipes]]
| cinematography = Jules O'Loughlin
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
| editing = John Axelrad
| production companies = {{Plainlist|
* [[Legendary Pictures]]
* [[Legendary Pictures]]
* Zam Pictures
* Zam Pictures
}}
}}
| distributor = [[Universal Pictures]]
| distributor = [[Universal Pictures]]
| released = {{Film date|2015|11|30|[[Los Angeles]] premiere|2015|12|04|United States}}
| released = {{Film date|2015|12|04}}
| runtime = 98 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 97:42--><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/krampus-film | title=''KRAMPUS'' (15) | work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] | date=November 17, 2015 | accessdate=November 17, 2015}}</ref>
| runtime = 98 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 97:40--><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/krampus-film|title=''KRAMPUS'' (15)|publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|date=November 17, 2015|access-date=November 17, 2015|archive-date=June 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601091113/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/krampus-film|url-status=live}}</ref>
| country = United States<br>New Zealand
| country = {{Plainlist|
* United States<ref name="LOC">{{cite web |title=Krampus {{!}} Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/jots.200164272/ |website=[[Library of Congress]] |access-date=7 December 2023}}</ref>
| language = English
| budget = $15 million<ref name="BOM"/>
* New Zealand<ref name="LOC"/>
| gross = $61.5 million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=krampus.htm |title=Krampus (2015) |website=Box Office Mojo |accessdate=March 10, 2016}}</ref>
}}
}}
| language = English
| budget = $15 million<ref name="BOM"/>
| gross = $61.5 million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=krampus.htm|title=Krampus (2015)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=June 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601091126/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4015818241/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
'''''Krampus''''' is a 2015 [[Christmas film|Christmas]] [[comedy horror film]] based on the [[Krampus|eponymous character]] from [[German folklore|Austro-Bavarian folklore]], directed by [[Michael Dougherty]], who co-wrote with Todd Casey and Zach Shields. The film stars [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]], [[Toni Collette]], [[David Koechner]], [[Allison Tolman]], [[Conchata Ferrell]], [[Emjay Anthony]], [[Stefania LaVie Owen]], with Krista Stadler, and introducing Lolo Owen, Queenie Samuel, Maverick Flack, and Sage Hunefeld in their film debuts. It tells the story of a [[dysfunctional family]] squabbling causing a young boy (Max) to lose his festive spirit enough to unleash the wrath of [[Krampus]], a fearsome, horned demonic beast in ancient European folklore who punishes naughty children at Christmas time.

The concept for ''Krampus'' began in 2011, when Dougherty was planning to make a [[Christmas]]-themed horror film, with him and Shields writing the screenplay. Production on the film began in 2014, with Dougherty directing and writing a new screenplay with Shields and Casey. The casting call began from November 2014 to March 2015. [[Principal photography]] on the film began on March 12 and wrapped in May 2015. Creature effects were made by [[Weta Workshop]].


'''''Krampus''''' is a 2015 American [[Christmas film|Christmas]] [[Comedy horror|horror comedy film]] based upon the [[Krampus|eponymous character]] from Germanic folklore, directed by [[Michael Dougherty]] and written by Dougherty, Todd Casey, and Zach Shields. The film stars [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]], [[Toni Collette]], [[David Koechner]], [[Allison Tolman]], [[Conchata Ferrell]], [[Emjay Anthony]], [[Stefania LaVie Owen]], and Krista Stadler. It was released on December 4, 2015, by [[Universal Studios|Universal Pictures]].<ref name=DreadCentral>{{cite web | url = http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/76670/legendarys-krampus-coming-december-2015/ | title = Legendary’s Krampus Coming December 2015 | last1 = Barton | first1 = Steve | date = October 30, 2014 | website = [[DreadCentral.com]] | publisher = Dread Central Media, LLC}}</ref><ref name="Hollywood Reporter">{{cite news | last = Ford | first = Rebecca | date = October 30, 2014 | title = Legendary and Universal's 'Krampus' Avoids Showdown with Seth Rogen Christmas Movie | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/legendary-universals-krampus-avoids-showdown-745139 | newspaper = [[Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>
''Krampus'' was released in the [[United States]] on December 4, 2015, by [[Universal Pictures]]. It received mixed reviews and grossed over $61 million against a $15 million budget.<ref name=DreadCentral>{{cite web | url = https://dreadcentral.com/news/76670/legendarys-krampus-coming-december-2015/ | title = Legendary's Krampus Coming December 2015 | last1 = Barton | first1 = Steve | date = October 30, 2014 | website = [[Dread Central]] | publisher = Dread Central Media | access-date = July 11, 2018 | archive-date = July 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180712052318/http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/76670/legendarys-krampus-coming-december-2015/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Hollywood Reporter">{{cite news | last = Ford | first = Rebecca | date = October 30, 2014 | title = Legendary and Universal's 'Krampus' Avoids Showdown with Seth Rogen Christmas Movie | url = https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/legendary-universals-krampus-avoids-showdown-745139 | newspaper = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | publisher = [[Prometheus Global Media]] | access-date = July 11, 2018 | archive-date = July 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180712084948/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/legendary-universals-krampus-avoids-showdown-745139 | url-status = live }}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, the plot summary should be between 400 to 700 words. -->
On December 22, a suburban family gets together to celebrate the holidays&mdash;Tom ([[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]]) and Sarah ([[Toni Collette]]), their children Beth ([[Stefania LaVie Owen]]) and Max ([[Emjay Anthony]]); Sarah's sister Linda ([[Allison Tolman]]), Linda's husband Howard ([[David Koechner]]), their children Stevie (Lolo Owen), Jordan (Queenie Samuel), Howie Jr. (Maverick Flack), and their baby daughter; Sarah and Linda's aunt Dorothy ([[Conchata Ferrell]]); and Tom's Austrian mother, who is affectionately referred to as "Omi" (Krista Stadler).
Three days before [[Christmas]], the Engel family (parents Tom and Sarah, daughter Beth, son Max, and Tom's mother Omi) prepare for the holidays. Despite his family's dysfunctionality, Max still believes in [[Santa Claus]] and writes him a letter. Sarah's side of the family comes for Christmas, including her sister Linda, Linda's husband Howard, their children Howie Jr., Stevie, Jordan, and baby Chrissie, their [[bulldog]] Rosie, and Sarah and Linda's cantankerous Aunt Dorothy.


Max wants to maintain family traditions, but tensions among his relatives sap their Christmas spirit. When his cousins mockingly read out his letter to Santa, Max lashes out, yelling that he hates both his family and his belief in Christmas. His father attempts to comfort him by telling him that even though the holidays are chaotic, he should always love his family. Although initially moved by his father's advice, still in a lasting fit of anger, Max tears up the letter and tosses it out the window; whereupon it is swept up into the sky.
Max wants to continue the family's Christmas traditions, but tensions between various members of the family keep everyone from having a good time and the family lose their Christmas Spirit. Shortly afterwards a severe blizzard appears and cuts out power in the entire town.


Later that night, a severe [[blizzard]] engulfs the town, causing a power outage. When Beth ventures out to check on her boyfriend, a large, horned creature chases her. She hides beneath a delivery truck, but the creature leaves a [[jack-in-the-box]], which attacks her.
After a period of apparently being alone, with no power the family travel to Beth's boyfriend's house and find it in devastation, with the chimney split open as well as large, goat-like hoof prints on the floor. Fearing what they do not yet understand the family board up the doors and windows, promising Sarah they will look for the missing Beth when morning comes.


When Beth does not return home, Tom and Howard search for her. They find her boyfriend's house in ruins with the chimney split open and large goat-like hoof prints. Tom narrowly saves Howard from an unseen monster in the snow. They return home, board up the windows, and Howard stands guard while everyone sleeps. As Howard eventually falls asleep, a large hook with a living gingerbread man attached lures Howie Jr. to the chimney. When he takes a bite, he is dragged up the chimney despite the family's efforts to save him.
Omi reveals to the family what is happening&mdash;they are being tormented by [[Krampus]], an ancient demonic spirit that punishes those who are bad at Christmas, referring to him as the "shadow of Saint Nicholas". Omi admits that when she was young, her family's poverty caused her to lose her love of the holidays, which summoned Krampus and resulted in her parents, and town being dragged into hell. She alone was spared by the demon, who left behind a bauble with his name inscribed and her life as a reminder of what happens when one loses their Christmas spirit.


Omi explains that the creature hunting them is [[Krampus]], an ancient demon-like being who punishes those who have lost the Christmas spirit. When Omi was a child, her family and community lost their spirit due to the [[World War II|hardships of the war in Europe]]. Omi eventually lost hope after constant abuse and wished for her parents (as well as everyone else around her) to be taken away, summoning Krampus. He and his helpers dragged everyone except her to the Underworld, leaving behind a bell-shaped [[Christmas ornament|bauble]] with his name on it. The family remains skeptical of the story until the house is overrun by [[Killer toy|menacing toys]] emerging from the presents. Jordan is devoured by the jack-in-the-box Der Klown. The family fends off the toys and gingerbread men, until Krampus's dark Christmas elves leap in through the window; taking Howard, Dorothy, and Chrissie.
In the attic, a bag of presents suddenly begins shaking. The family run to the attic and witness a large, snake-like jack-in-the-box monster and are attacked by a group of monstrous toys. Krampus is heard landing on their roof, and family members quickly decide to make a run for the snowplow only to find it won't start. Krampus appears before the young boy Max and gives him a bauble with his name on it, wrapped in a piece of his shredded Santa letter, before vanishing. Max realizes that he is the reason why Krampus came.


Tom leads the rest of the family to an abandoned [[snowplow]] on the streets. Omi stays behind to face Krampus, who emerges from the fireplace and attacks her with his bag of toys. Outside, Tom, Sarah, and Linda are dragged under the snow by the snow monster while Stevie is captured by the dark elves.
Max confronts and pleads with Krampus to give his family back and take him instead. Krampus picks Max up and holds him over a pit. Max apologizes to the demon for losing his Christmas spirit but Krampus drops the screaming Max into the pit.


Krampus confronts Max and gives him a bauble with his name on it, wrapped in pieces of his discarded letter. Realizing that he was responsible for Krampus's coming, Max chases after the demon-like being and confronts him at the edge of a fiery pit. Max begs for Stevie to be spared and offers himself up as a sacrifice. Krampus refuses and tosses Stevie into the pit. Max sincerely apologizes for losing his spirit; although Krampus seems to accept his apology and recognizes his truth, he still tosses Max in as well.
Max suddenly awakens in his bed on Christmas morning. He looks out his window and sees that the neighborhood has returned to normal, and finds his family downstairs opening presents. Believing that the entire experience had been a dream he opens a present and discovers the Krampus bauble. The family falls silent and the camera zooms out to reveal that their house is now inside a snow globe on a shelf in the Krampus' lair.

Max awakens in his bed on Christmas morning and upon discovering his family alive and well, concluding what happened was just a nightmare. However, as they find Krampus's bauble among the presents, the family exchanges troubled looks; recalling memories of the horrific events.

The house is shown through a magical surveillance snow globe, along with hundreds of others in a vast collection in Krampus's underworld lair for him to monitor and spy on for having spared them.{{efn|The prequel graphic novel ''Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas'' revealed that anyone spared by Krampus will be kept on surveillance by him through their respective snow globes in his underworld lair in the mountains of [[Central Europe]] to make sure they never lose their Christmas spirit again.}}


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
* [[Emjay Anthony]]<ref name="hollywoodreporter1">{{cite web |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/adam-scott-toni-collette-join-778763 |title=Adam Scott, Toni Collette Join Christmas Horror Movie 'Krampus' (Exclusive) |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=March 3, 2015 |access-date=March 16, 2015 |first=Borys |last=Kit |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108135926/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/adam-scott-toni-collette-join-778763 |url-status=live }}</ref> as Max Engel, a boy who loses the Christmas spirit due to his dysfunctional family's squabbling.
* [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]]<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/> as Tom Engel
* [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]]<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/> as Tom Engel, the father of Max.
* [[Toni Collette]] as Sarah Engel
* [[Toni Collette]] as Sarah Engel, the mother of Max.
* [[Emjay Anthony]]<ref name="hollywoodreporter1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/adam-scott-toni-collette-join-778763 |title=Adam Scott, Toni Collette Join Christmas Horror Movie 'Krampus' (Exclusive) |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |date=2015-03-03 |accessdate=2015-03-16}}</ref> as Max Engel
* [[David Koechner]]<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/> as Howard
* [[David Koechner]]<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/> as Howard Jackson Sr., the maternal uncle of Max.
* [[Allison Tolman]]<ref name="avclub1">{{cite web|author=B.G. Henne |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/allison-tolman-joins-yuletide-horror-comedy-krampu-212179 |title=Allison Tolman joins Yuletide horror-comedy Krampus · Newswire · The A.V. Club |publisher=Avclub.com |date=2014-11-21 |accessdate=2015-03-16}}</ref> as Linda
* [[Allison Tolman]]<ref name="avclub1">{{cite web |first=B.G. |last=Henne |url=https://avclub.com/article/allison-tolman-joins-yuletide-horror-comedy-krampu-212179 |title=Allison Tolman joins Yuletide horror-comedy Krampus |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |publisher=[[The Onion]] |date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=March 16, 2015 |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601091123/https://news.avclub.com/allison-tolman-joins-yuletide-horror-comedy-krampus-1798274269 |url-status=live }}</ref> as Linda Jackson, the sister of Sarah and maternal aunt of Max.
* [[Conchata Ferrell]] as Aunt Dorothy
* [[Conchata Ferrell]] as Aunt Dorothy, the aunt of Sarah and Linda and maternal great-aunt of Max.
* [[Stefania LaVie Owen]]<ref>{{cite web |first=Jeff |last=Sneider |url=https://thewrap.com/adam-scott-david-koechner-join-legendarys-horror-comedy-krampus-exclusive/ |title=Adam Scott, David Koechner Join Legendary's Horror Comedy 'Krampus' (Exclusive) |work=[[TheWrap]] |date=March 3, 2015 |access-date=March 16, 2015 |archive-date=March 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319142857/http://www.thewrap.com/adam-scott-david-koechner-join-legendarys-horror-comedy-krampus-exclusive/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as Beth Engel, the teenage sister of Max and daughter of Tom and Sarah.
* Lolo Owen as Stevie
* Krista Stadler [[:de:Krista Stadler|(de)]] as 'Omi' ('Granny') Engel, the mother of Tom and paternal grandmother of Max and Beth.
* [[Stefania LaVie Owen]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Jeff Sneider |url=http://www.thewrap.com/adam-scott-david-koechner-join-legendarys-horror-comedy-krampus-exclusive/ |title=Adam Scott, David Koechner Join Legendary's Horror Comedy 'Krampus' (Exclusive) |publisher=Thewrap.com |date=2015-03-03 |accessdate=2015-03-16}}</ref> as Beth Engel
* Lolo Owen as Stevie Jackson, the daughter of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
* Queenie Samuel as Jordan
* Queenie Samuel as Jordan, the daughter of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
* Krista Stadler as Omi
* Maverick Flack as Howie Jr.
* Maverick Flack as Howard "Howie" Jackson Jr., the son of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
* Sage Hunefeld as Baby Chrissie Jackson, the baby daughter of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
* Mark Atkin as Ketkrókur <ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3850590/</ref>
* Mark Atkin as Ketkrókur<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3850590/|title=Krampus (2015)|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=July 11, 2018|archive-date=June 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601091124/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3850590/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Sage Hunefeld as Baby Chrissy
* Leith Towers as Derek
* Leith Towers as Derek, Beth's boyfriend
* Curtis Vowell as [[DHL Express|DHL]] Man
* Curtis Vowell as a [[DHL Express|DHL]] Man who delivers stuff to the Engel family's house.
* Luke Hawker as [[Krampus]] (in-suit performer), a dark ancient demonic figure from European folklore that dispenses vengeance and wrath on the naughty. He resembles a much darker representation of [[Santa Claus]], appearing as a hunchbacked beast with goat-like horns, goat hooves, claws, and his true face concealed behind a bearded mask.
* Luke Hawker as [[Krampus]] (in-suit performer)
* Mark Atkin as Ketkrókur, a dark Christmas elf in a devilish grin mask with fork and knife-resembling horns.
* Brett Beattie as Der Klown
* Amy Brighton as Þvörusleikir, a dark Christmas elf in a dark eagle mask.
* Trevor Bau as Hurðaskellir, a dark Christmas elf in a goat-horned ogre mask.
* Ravi Narayan as Kertasníkir, a dark Christmas elf in an excited boy mask.
* Felicity Hamill as Gáttaþefur, a dark Christmas elf in a plague doctor mask.
* Sophie Gannon as Bjúgnakrækir, a dark Christmas elf in a mask that resembles a man posing as an Indian woman.
* Kelly Lily Marie as Giljagaur, a dark Christmas elf in a mask that resembles a man posing as an Indian woman that was later killed by the Snow Beast.
* Clare Odell as Gluggagægir, a dark Christmas elf in a mask that resembles a smiling old woman.
* Gareth Ruck as Stekkjarstaur, a dark Christmas elf in a horned demonic mask.
* Pascal Ackerman, Skye Broberg, and Jessie Carson as the Yule Goats, three large skull-faced goats that pull Krampus' sleigh.
* Thor and Victoria as Rosie, Linda's pet bulldog.
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


===Voices===
===Voices===
* [[Gideon Emery]] as Krampus
* [[Gideon Emery]] as Krampus (uncredited)
* [[Seth Green]] as Lumpy<ref name="thenumbers">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Krampus#tab=cast-and-crew |title=Krampus (2015) Financial Information |publisher=Nash Information Services, LLC |accessdate=2015-12-15}}</ref>
* [[Seth Green]], [[Breehn Burns]], and [[Justin Roiland]] as Lumpy, Dumpy, and Clumpy,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://the-numbers.com/movie/Krampus#tab=cast-and-crew |title=Krampus (2015) |work=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |publisher=Nash Information Services |access-date=December 15, 2015 |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128132127/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Krampus#tab=cast-and-crew |url-status=live }}</ref> three gingerbread men who target Howard on Krampus' behalf.
* [[Ivy George]] as Perchta the Cherub, one of Krampus' killer toys.
* [[Breehn Burns]] as Dumpy<ref name="thenumbers"/>
* Brett Beattie as Der Klown, a demonic Jack-in-the-box who is one of Krampus' killer toys.
* [[Justin Roiland]] as Clumpy<ref name="thenumbers"/>
* Collin Dean as Ruprecht the Elf, a female dark Christmas elf wearing an Indian woman mask.


==Production==
==Production==
The film is written and directed by [[Michael Dougherty]], known for the 2007 cult hit ''[[Trick 'r Treat]]''.<ref name=DreadCentral/> It is co-written by Todd Casey and Zach Shields, and produced by [[Thomas Tull]], Jon Jashni, and Alex Garcia of [[Legendary Pictures]].<ref name="Hollywood Reporter"/> On November 21, 2014, [[Allison Tolman]] and Emjay Anthony joined the cast.<ref name="avclub1"/> On March 3, 2015, [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]], [[David Koechner]], and [[Toni Collette]] joined the cast.<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/> [[Principal photography]] began on March 12, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Evry|first1=Max|title=Legendary Begins Principal Photography on Horror Comedy Krampus|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/419157-legendary-begins-principal-photography-on-horror-comedy-krampus|accessdate=March 16, 2015|publisher=[[ComingSoon.net]] |date=March 12, 2015}}</ref> Creature effects were made by [[Weta Workshop]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wetaworkshop.com/projects/krampus-2015/|title=Weta Workshop Projects - Krampus|work=[[Weta Workshop]]|accessdate=December 19, 2015}}</ref>
[[Michael Dougherty]] had "always wanted to do a [[Christmas horror|scary Christmas]] movie", but the idea did not take form until his friends sent him an [[e-card]] featuring the [[Krampus]] creature which was, according to him "just love at first sight." Although this, according to Dougherty, happened in "the ancient times of the internet" the project would not be fleshed out until 2011, at which point he would team up with Zach Shields and Todd Casey to figure out the story.<ref name="Krampusgeek">{{cite web|last1=Kaye|first1=Don|title=Krampus Director Talks His Scary Christmas Movie|url=https://denofgeek.com/us/movies/krampus/251169/krampus-director-talks-his-scary-christmas-movie|website=Den of Geek|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|access-date=July 20, 2017|date=December 8, 2015|archive-date=December 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209073834/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/krampus/251169/krampus-director-talks-his-scary-christmas-movie|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 21, 2014, [[Allison Tolman]] and Emjay Anthony joined the cast.<ref name="avclub1"/> On March 3, 2015, [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]], [[David Koechner]], and [[Toni Collette]] joined the cast.<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/> [[Principal photography]] began on March 12, 2015, and officially wrapped in May 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Evry|first1=Max|title=Legendary Begins Principal Photography on Horror Comedy Krampus|url=https://comingsoon.net/movies/news/419157-legendary-begins-principal-photography-on-horror-comedy-krampus|access-date=March 16, 2015|publisher=[[CraveOnline Media]]|work=ComingSoon.net|date=March 12, 2015|archive-date=March 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315003609/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/419157-legendary-begins-principal-photography-on-horror-comedy-krampus|url-status=live}}</ref> Creature effects were made by [[Weta Workshop]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wetaworkshop.com/projects/krampus-2015/|title=Krampus|publisher=[[Weta Workshop]]|access-date=December 19, 2015|archive-date=July 22, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160722100427/http://wetaworkshop.com/projects/krampus-2015/|url-status=live}}</ref> The score was composed by [[Douglas Pipes]] and released on a double LP by [[Waxwork Records]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/waxwork-records-gets-festive-with-vinyl-releases-of-krampus-and-warriors-soundtracks|title=WAXWORK RECORDS GETS FESTIVE WITH VINYL RELEASES OF KRAMPUS AND WARRIORS SOUNDTRACKS|location=SyFy Wire|author=Weiss, Josh|date=23 November 2018|access-date=14 August 2020|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029003045/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/waxwork-records-gets-festive-with-vinyl-releases-of-krampus-and-warriors-soundtracks|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Release==
==Release==
[[File:SDCC 2015 - Michael Dougherty, Toni Collette & Adam Scott (19546302729).jpg|right|thumb|(L-R) Moderator [[Chris Hardwick]], director [[Michael Dougherty]], and cast members [[Toni Collette]] and [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]] at the 2015 [[San Diego Comic-Con]] to promote the film.]]
The film was originally scheduled a release date for November 25, 2015,<ref name=HR>{{cite news | last = McClintock | first = Pamela | date = August 19, 2014 | title = Legendary and Universal's 'Krampus,' 'Spectral' Nab Release Dates | url = http://edit.hollywoodreporter.com/news/legendary-universals-krampus-spectral-nab-726365 | newspaper = [[Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> but was pushed back to December 4, 2015.
The film was originally scheduled to be released on November 25, 2015,<ref name=HR>{{cite news | last = McClintock | first = Pamela | date = August 19, 2014 | title = Legendary and Universal's 'Krampus,' 'Spectral' Nab Release Dates | url = http://edit.hollywoodreporter.com/news/legendary-universals-krampus-spectral-nab-726365 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20141111111430/http://edit.hollywoodreporter.com/news/legendary-universals-krampus-spectral-nab-726365 | url-status = dead | archive-date = November 11, 2014 | newspaper = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | publisher = [[Prometheus Global Media]] | access-date = July 11, 2018 }}</ref> but was moved to December 4, 2015, to be closer to December 5, which is [[Krampusnacht]].

The film was released on [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray Disc|Blu-ray]] by [[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment]] on April 26, 2016, and was internationally released on the same formats in the [[United Kingdom]] on December 26, 2016. An unrated, extended version of the film referred to as ''Krampus: The Naughty Cut'' was released on December 7, 2021, by [[Shout! Factory]] in a 4K and [[Blu-ray]] combo pack. This release features new bonus content such as interviews, commentaries, and featurettes, and runs approximately four minutes longer than the original theatrical edition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/krampus-the-naughty-cut-collector-s-edition?product_id=7703|title=Krampus: The Naughty Cut &#91;Collector's Edition&#93; - UHD/Blu-ray :: Shout! Factory|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-date=December 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223195317/https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/krampus-the-naughty-cut-collector-s-edition?product_id=7703|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Merchandise==
==Merchandise==
An original graphic novel titled ''Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas'' was released on November 25, 2015 by [[Legendary Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.legendary.com/trick-r-treat-krampus-graphic-novel-announcement/|title=Trick ‘r Treat, Krampus – Graphic Novel Announcement|work=[[Legendary Entertainment]]|date=March 19, 2015|accessdate=December 13, 2015}}</ref> The comic is written by Brandon Seifert and features stories by writer/director [[Michael Dougherty]] and movie co-writers Zach Shields and Todd Casey. Art is provided by [[Fiona Staples]], Michael Montenat, Stuart Sayger, Maan House and Christian DiBari.<br>
An original graphic novel titled ''Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas'' was released on November 25, 2015, by [[Legendary Comics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.legendary.com/trick-r-treat-krampus-graphic-novel-announcement/|title=Trick 'r Treat, Krampus – Graphic Novel Announcement|publisher=[[Legendary Entertainment]]|date=March 19, 2015|access-date=December 13, 2015|archive-date=July 22, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160722101111/http://corporate.legendary.com/trick-r-treat-krampus-graphic-novel-announcement/|url-status=live}}</ref> The comic is written by Brandon Seifert and features stories by writer/director [[Michael Dougherty]] and movie co-writers Zach Shields and Todd Casey. Art is provided by [[Fiona Staples]], Michael Montenat, Stuart Sayger, Maan House and Christian DiBari.

[[Weta Workshop]] released a number of collectables through their online store, including statues (Krampus, The Cherub, The Dark Elf), a life-sized prop reproduction of the Krampus Bell and a collectable pin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wetanz.com/krampus/|title=Weta Workshop Krampus items|work=[[Weta Workshop]]|accessdate=December 19, 2015}}</ref>
[[Weta Workshop]] released a number of collectables through their online store, including statues (Krampus, The Cherub, The Dark Elf), a life-sized prop reproduction of the Krampus Bell and a collectable pin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wetanz.com/krampus/|title=Krampus Items|publisher=[[Weta Workshop]]|access-date=December 19, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222121024/https://www.wetanz.com/krampus/|archivedate=December 22, 2015}}</ref>
<br>

Trick or Treat Studios released three Halloween Masks directly out of the screen used masters. The masks include Krampus and two elves, Window Pepper and Sheep Cote Clod.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trickortreatstudios.com, Krampus – Halloween Masks|work=[[Trick or Treat Studios]]}}</ref>
Trick or Treat Studios released three Halloween Masks directly out of the screen used masters. The masks include Krampus and two elves, Window Peeper and Sheep Cote Clod.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trickortreatstudios.com/licensed-designs/krampus.html|title=Krampus / Licensed Designs|access-date=December 22, 2018|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206002107/https://trickortreatstudios.com/licensed-designs/krampus.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The popular Halloween store [[Spirit Halloween]] released a Halloween animatronic based on the main character Krampus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/decorations/animatronics/7-5-ft-krampus-animatronic-decorations/pc/1005/c/0/sc/1011/214432.uts|title=7.5 Ft Krampus Animatronic - Decorations|access-date=July 29, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006105052/https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/decorations/animatronics/7-5-ft-krampus-animatronic-decorations/pc/1005/c/0/sc/1011/214432.uts|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
===Box office===
===Box office===
{{Asof|2016|1|21|df=US}}, ''Krampus'' has grossed $42.7 million in North America and $18.7 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $61.4 million, against a budget of $15 million.<ref name=BOM />
''Krampus'' grossed $42.7 million in the United States and [[Canada]] and $18.8 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $61.5 million, against a budget of $15 million.<ref name=BOM />


In the United States and Canada, ''Krampus'' earned $637,000 from its Thursday night showings, which began at 7 p.m.,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-creeps-637k-845694|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Creeps to $637K Thursday Night|author=Rebecca Ford|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=December 4, 2015|accessdate=December 4, 2015}}</ref> and topped the box office on its opening day with $6 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-narrowly-wins-846196|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Narrowly Wins Friday With $6M; Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' Opens at No. 13|author=Pamela McClintock|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=December 5, 2015|accessdate=December 5, 2015}}</ref> It rose 9.9% on Saturday over Friday, a rare occurrence for a horror movie.<ref name="opening"/> It went on to earn $16.3 million through its opening weekend from 2,902 theaters, which was above expectations and finished in second place at the box office behind ''[[The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2]]'' ($18.6 million), which was on its third weekend.<ref name="opening">{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/12/hunger-games-mockingjay-krampus-creed-good-dinosaur-post-thanksgiving-box-office-1201652456/|title=‘Krampus’ Rises During Ho-Ho-Hum Holiday Frame – Monday Final Update|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|work=''[[Deadline.com]]''|date=December 7, 2015|accessdate=December 8, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-beats-good-846196|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Beats 'Good Dinosaur' With $16M; 'Hunger Games' Stays No. 1|author=Pamela McClintock|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=December 5, 2015|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref> Scott Mendelson of ''[[Forbes]]'' felt the successful opening was attributed to the horror genre which was something of a new, unique and genuinely different offering at that time (the last time a Christmas horror movie opened was in 2006 with ''[[Black Christmas (2006 film)|Black Christmas]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/12/05/box-office-krampus-tops-friday-with-6m-spike-lees-chi-raq-on-track-for-1-1m-debut/|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Tops Friday With $6M, Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' On Track For $1.1M Debut|author=Scott Mendelson|work=[[Forbes]]|date=December 5, 2015|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref>). However, he also stated that had Universal not embargoed the reviews two days prior to its release, a wave of mostly positive reviews dropping a few days before release would have boosted its opening accordingly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/12/06/box-office-krampus-scares-up-a-christmas-miracle-with-16m-weekend/|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Scares Up A Christmas Miracle With $16M Weekend|author=Scott Mendelson|work=[[Forbes]]|date=December 6, 2015|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref>
In [[North America]], ''Krampus'' earned $637,000 from its Thursday night showings, which began at 7 p.m.,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-creeps-637k-845694|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Creeps to $637K Thursday Night|first=Rebecca|last=Ford|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=December 4, 2015|access-date=December 4, 2015|archive-date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207024217/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-creeps-637k-845694|url-status=live}}</ref> and topped the box office on its opening day with $6 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-narrowly-wins-846196|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Narrowly Wins Friday With $6M; Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' Opens at No. 13|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=December 5, 2015|archive-date=August 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815112629/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/box-office-krampus-beats-good-846196/|url-status=live}}</ref> It rose 9.9% on Saturday over Friday, a rare occurrence for a horror film.<ref name="opening"/> It went on to earn $16.3 million through its opening weekend from 2,902 theaters, which was above expectations and finished in second place at the box office, ahead of ''[[The Good Dinosaur]]'', but behind ''[[The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2]]'' ($18.6 million), which was on its third weekend.<ref name="opening">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/12/hunger-games-mockingjay-krampus-creed-good-dinosaur-post-thanksgiving-box-office-1201652456/|title='Krampus' Rises During Ho-Ho-Hum Holiday Frame – Monday Final Update|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|publisher=[[Penske Business Media]]|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=December 8, 2015|archive-date=December 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205192425/http://deadline.com/2015/12/hunger-games-mockingjay-krampus-creed-good-dinosaur-post-thanksgiving-box-office-1201652456/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-beats-good-846196|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Beats 'Good Dinosaur' With $16M; 'Hunger Games' Stays No. 1|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=December 6, 2015|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225101548/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-krampus-beats-good-846196|url-status=live}}</ref> Scott Mendelson of ''[[Forbes]]'' felt the successful opening was attributed to the horror genre which was something of a new, unique and genuinely different offering at that time (the last time a Christmas-themed horror film opened was in 2006 with ''[[Black Christmas (2006 film)|Black Christmas]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/12/05/box-office-krampus-tops-friday-with-6m-spike-lees-chi-raq-on-track-for-1-1m-debut/|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Tops Friday With $6M, Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' On Track For $1.1M Debut|first=Scott|last=Mendelson|work=[[Forbes]]|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=December 6, 2015|archive-date=December 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206202845/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/12/05/box-office-krampus-tops-friday-with-6m-spike-lees-chi-raq-on-track-for-1-1m-debut/|url-status=live}}</ref>). However, he also stated that had Universal not embargoed the reviews two days prior to its release, a wave of mostly positive reviews dropping a few days before release would have boosted its opening accordingly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/12/06/box-office-krampus-scares-up-a-christmas-miracle-with-16m-weekend/|title=Box Office: 'Krampus' Scares Up A Christmas Miracle With $16M Weekend|first=Scott|last=Mendelson|author-link=Scott Mendelson|work=[[Forbes]]|date=December 6, 2015|access-date=December 6, 2015|archive-date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207174637/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2015/12/06/box-office-krampus-scares-up-a-christmas-miracle-with-16m-weekend/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Critical response===
===Critical response===
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} based on {{RT data|count}} reviews with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. The website's critical consensus reads "''Krampus'' is gory good fun for fans of non-traditional holiday horror with a fondness for [[Joe Dante]]'s [[B movie|B-movie]] classics, even if it doesn't have quite the savage bite its concept calls for."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/krampus|title=Krampus (2015)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date={{RT data|access date}}|archive-date=June 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601091112/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/krampus|url-status=live}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a weighted average score of 49 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metacritic.com/movie/krampus |title=Krampus Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221120356/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/krampus |url-status=live }}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/12/hunger-games-mockingjay-krampus-creed-good-dinosaur-post-thanksgiving-box-office-1201652456/|title=Katniss, 'Krampus', 'Creed' & 'Good Dinosaur' Keep Post Holiday Frame From Singing The Blues At The B.O.|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|publisher=[[Penske Business Media]]|access-date=July 11, 2018|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=December 7, 2015|archive-date=December 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205192425/http://deadline.com/2015/12/hunger-games-mockingjay-krampus-creed-good-dinosaur-post-thanksgiving-box-office-1201652456/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{expand section|date=December 2015}}

On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has a rating of 64%, based on 89 reviews, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "''Krampus'' is gory good fun for fans of non-traditional holiday horror with a fondness for [[Joe Dante]]'s [[B movie|B-movie]] classics, even if it doesn't have quite the savage bite its concept calls for."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/krampus/ |title=Krampus reviews |website=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=February 20, 2016}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a score of 49 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "mixed to average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/krampus |title=Krampus reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=December 9, 2015}}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B-" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2015/12/hunger-games-mockingjay-krampus-creed-good-dinosaur-post-thanksgiving-box-office-1201652456/ |title= Katniss, ‘Krampus’, ‘Creed’ & ‘Good Dinosaur’ Keep Post Holiday Frame From Singing The Blues At The B.O. |work=deadline.com}}</ref>
===Accolades===
''Krampus'' earned a pair of nominations for Best Horror Film from the [[Empire Awards]] and the [[Saturn Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shepherd |first=Jack |date=March 21, 2016 |title=Empire Awards 2016: Winners in full as ''Star Wars'' and ''Mad Max: Fury Road'' dominate |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/empire-awards-2016-winners-in-full-as-star-wars-and-mad-max-fury-road-dominate-a6944056.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321235535/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/empire-awards-2016-winners-in-full-as-star-wars-and-mad-max-fury-road-dominate-a6944056.html |archive-date=March 21, 2016 |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nakamura |first=Reid |date=February 24, 2016 |title=''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' Leads Saturn Awards Nominees |url=https://www.thewrap.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens-leads-saturn-awards-nominees/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321000705/https://www.thewrap.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens-leads-saturn-awards-nominees/ |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=David S. |date=June 23, 2016 |title=''The Force Awakens'' Rings Up Eight Saturn Awards |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/awards/saturn-awards-winners-2016-star-wars-crimson-peak-walking-dead-hannibal-william-shatner-bruce-campbell-1201802152/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228123946/http://variety.com/2016/film/awards/saturn-awards-winners-2016-star-wars-crimson-peak-walking-dead-hannibal-william-shatner-bruce-campbell-1201802152/ |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |access-date=January 18, 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Krampus in North American popular culture]]
* [[Krampus in popular culture]]
* [[List of comedy-horror films]]
* [[List of comedy horror films]]
* [[Holiday horror]]
* [[List of holiday horror films]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|3850590|Krampus}}
* {{Official website|http://www.krampusthefilm.com/}}
* {{Mojo title|krampus|Krampus}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|krampus|Krampus}}
* {{IMDb title|3850590}}
* {{Metacritic|krampus|Krampus}}
* {{Mojo title|krampus}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|krampus}}

{{Michael Dougherty}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Film|United States|New Zealand|Speculative fiction|Horror|Comedy|Holidays|2010s}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Krampus}}
[[Category:2015 films]]
[[Category:2015 films]]
[[Category:2015 horror films]]
[[Category:2015 comedy horror films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:2015 fantasy films]]
[[Category:New Zealand films]]
[[Category:2010s Christmas horror films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2010s comedy thriller films]]
[[Category:2010s comedy horror films]]
[[Category:2010s monster movies]]
[[Category:American Christmas films]]
[[Category:American films with live action and animation]]
[[Category:American Christmas horror films]]
[[Category:American comedy horror films]]
[[Category:American comedy horror films]]
[[Category:American satirical films]]
[[Category:American satirical films]]
[[Category:New Zealand Christmas films]]
[[Category:American monster movies]]
[[Category:Comedy horror films]]
[[Category:American supernatural horror films]]
[[Category:Comedy thriller films]]
[[Category:American Christmas comedy films]]
[[Category:American dark fantasy films]]
[[Category:Supernatural comedy films]]
[[Category:Supernatural fantasy films]]
[[Category:Demons in film]]
[[Category:Films about dysfunctional families]]
[[Category:Films about dysfunctional families]]
[[Category:Films based upon European myths and legends]]
[[Category:Films about elves]]
[[Category:Films with live action and animation]]
[[Category:Films based on European myths and legends]]
[[Category:Films produced by Thomas Tull]]
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[[Category:Krampus in film]]
[[Category:Universal Pictures films]]
[[Category:Universal Pictures films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Michael Dougherty]]
[[Category:Films produced by Michael Dougherty]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Michael Dougherty]]
[[Category:Films scored by Douglas Pipes]]
[[Category:Films shot in New Zealand]]
[[Category:2010s English-language films]]
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[[Category:English-language comedy horror films]]
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[[Category:English-language Christmas comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language comedy thriller films]]

Latest revision as of 21:49, 26 December 2024

Krampus
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMichael Dougherty
Written by
  • Todd Casey
  • Michael Dougherty
  • Zach Shields
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyJules O'Loughlin
Edited byJohn Axelrad
Music byDouglas Pipes
Production
companies
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • December 4, 2015 (2015-12-04)
Running time
98 minutes[1]
Countries
  • United States[2]
  • New Zealand[2]
LanguageEnglish
Budget$15 million[3]
Box office$61.5 million[3]

Krampus is a 2015 Christmas comedy horror film based on the eponymous character from Austro-Bavarian folklore, directed by Michael Dougherty, who co-wrote with Todd Casey and Zach Shields. The film stars Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Stefania LaVie Owen, with Krista Stadler, and introducing Lolo Owen, Queenie Samuel, Maverick Flack, and Sage Hunefeld in their film debuts. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family squabbling causing a young boy (Max) to lose his festive spirit enough to unleash the wrath of Krampus, a fearsome, horned demonic beast in ancient European folklore who punishes naughty children at Christmas time.

The concept for Krampus began in 2011, when Dougherty was planning to make a Christmas-themed horror film, with him and Shields writing the screenplay. Production on the film began in 2014, with Dougherty directing and writing a new screenplay with Shields and Casey. The casting call began from November 2014 to March 2015. Principal photography on the film began on March 12 and wrapped in May 2015. Creature effects were made by Weta Workshop.

Krampus was released in the United States on December 4, 2015, by Universal Pictures. It received mixed reviews and grossed over $61 million against a $15 million budget.[4][5]

Plot

[edit]

Three days before Christmas, the Engel family (parents Tom and Sarah, daughter Beth, son Max, and Tom's mother Omi) prepare for the holidays. Despite his family's dysfunctionality, Max still believes in Santa Claus and writes him a letter. Sarah's side of the family comes for Christmas, including her sister Linda, Linda's husband Howard, their children Howie Jr., Stevie, Jordan, and baby Chrissie, their bulldog Rosie, and Sarah and Linda's cantankerous Aunt Dorothy.

Max wants to maintain family traditions, but tensions among his relatives sap their Christmas spirit. When his cousins mockingly read out his letter to Santa, Max lashes out, yelling that he hates both his family and his belief in Christmas. His father attempts to comfort him by telling him that even though the holidays are chaotic, he should always love his family. Although initially moved by his father's advice, still in a lasting fit of anger, Max tears up the letter and tosses it out the window; whereupon it is swept up into the sky.

Later that night, a severe blizzard engulfs the town, causing a power outage. When Beth ventures out to check on her boyfriend, a large, horned creature chases her. She hides beneath a delivery truck, but the creature leaves a jack-in-the-box, which attacks her.

When Beth does not return home, Tom and Howard search for her. They find her boyfriend's house in ruins with the chimney split open and large goat-like hoof prints. Tom narrowly saves Howard from an unseen monster in the snow. They return home, board up the windows, and Howard stands guard while everyone sleeps. As Howard eventually falls asleep, a large hook with a living gingerbread man attached lures Howie Jr. to the chimney. When he takes a bite, he is dragged up the chimney despite the family's efforts to save him.

Omi explains that the creature hunting them is Krampus, an ancient demon-like being who punishes those who have lost the Christmas spirit. When Omi was a child, her family and community lost their spirit due to the hardships of the war in Europe. Omi eventually lost hope after constant abuse and wished for her parents (as well as everyone else around her) to be taken away, summoning Krampus. He and his helpers dragged everyone except her to the Underworld, leaving behind a bell-shaped bauble with his name on it. The family remains skeptical of the story until the house is overrun by menacing toys emerging from the presents. Jordan is devoured by the jack-in-the-box Der Klown. The family fends off the toys and gingerbread men, until Krampus's dark Christmas elves leap in through the window; taking Howard, Dorothy, and Chrissie.

Tom leads the rest of the family to an abandoned snowplow on the streets. Omi stays behind to face Krampus, who emerges from the fireplace and attacks her with his bag of toys. Outside, Tom, Sarah, and Linda are dragged under the snow by the snow monster while Stevie is captured by the dark elves.

Krampus confronts Max and gives him a bauble with his name on it, wrapped in pieces of his discarded letter. Realizing that he was responsible for Krampus's coming, Max chases after the demon-like being and confronts him at the edge of a fiery pit. Max begs for Stevie to be spared and offers himself up as a sacrifice. Krampus refuses and tosses Stevie into the pit. Max sincerely apologizes for losing his spirit; although Krampus seems to accept his apology and recognizes his truth, he still tosses Max in as well.

Max awakens in his bed on Christmas morning and upon discovering his family alive and well, concluding what happened was just a nightmare. However, as they find Krampus's bauble among the presents, the family exchanges troubled looks; recalling memories of the horrific events.

The house is shown through a magical surveillance snow globe, along with hundreds of others in a vast collection in Krampus's underworld lair for him to monitor and spy on for having spared them.[a]

Cast

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  • Emjay Anthony[6] as Max Engel, a boy who loses the Christmas spirit due to his dysfunctional family's squabbling.
  • Adam Scott[6] as Tom Engel, the father of Max.
  • Toni Collette as Sarah Engel, the mother of Max.
  • David Koechner[6] as Howard Jackson Sr., the maternal uncle of Max.
  • Allison Tolman[7] as Linda Jackson, the sister of Sarah and maternal aunt of Max.
  • Conchata Ferrell as Aunt Dorothy, the aunt of Sarah and Linda and maternal great-aunt of Max.
  • Stefania LaVie Owen[8] as Beth Engel, the teenage sister of Max and daughter of Tom and Sarah.
  • Krista Stadler (de) as 'Omi' ('Granny') Engel, the mother of Tom and paternal grandmother of Max and Beth.
  • Lolo Owen as Stevie Jackson, the daughter of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
  • Queenie Samuel as Jordan, the daughter of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
  • Maverick Flack as Howard "Howie" Jackson Jr., the son of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
  • Sage Hunefeld as Baby Chrissie Jackson, the baby daughter of Howard and Linda and the maternal cousin of Max and Beth.
  • Mark Atkin as Ketkrókur[9]
  • Leith Towers as Derek, Beth's boyfriend
  • Curtis Vowell as a DHL Man who delivers stuff to the Engel family's house.
  • Luke Hawker as Krampus (in-suit performer), a dark ancient demonic figure from European folklore that dispenses vengeance and wrath on the naughty. He resembles a much darker representation of Santa Claus, appearing as a hunchbacked beast with goat-like horns, goat hooves, claws, and his true face concealed behind a bearded mask.
  • Mark Atkin as Ketkrókur, a dark Christmas elf in a devilish grin mask with fork and knife-resembling horns.
  • Amy Brighton as Þvörusleikir, a dark Christmas elf in a dark eagle mask.
  • Trevor Bau as Hurðaskellir, a dark Christmas elf in a goat-horned ogre mask.
  • Ravi Narayan as Kertasníkir, a dark Christmas elf in an excited boy mask.
  • Felicity Hamill as Gáttaþefur, a dark Christmas elf in a plague doctor mask.
  • Sophie Gannon as Bjúgnakrækir, a dark Christmas elf in a mask that resembles a man posing as an Indian woman.
  • Kelly Lily Marie as Giljagaur, a dark Christmas elf in a mask that resembles a man posing as an Indian woman that was later killed by the Snow Beast.
  • Clare Odell as Gluggagægir, a dark Christmas elf in a mask that resembles a smiling old woman.
  • Gareth Ruck as Stekkjarstaur, a dark Christmas elf in a horned demonic mask.
  • Pascal Ackerman, Skye Broberg, and Jessie Carson as the Yule Goats, three large skull-faced goats that pull Krampus' sleigh.
  • Thor and Victoria as Rosie, Linda's pet bulldog.

Voices

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  • Gideon Emery as Krampus (uncredited)
  • Seth Green, Breehn Burns, and Justin Roiland as Lumpy, Dumpy, and Clumpy,[10] three gingerbread men who target Howard on Krampus' behalf.
  • Ivy George as Perchta the Cherub, one of Krampus' killer toys.
  • Brett Beattie as Der Klown, a demonic Jack-in-the-box who is one of Krampus' killer toys.
  • Collin Dean as Ruprecht the Elf, a female dark Christmas elf wearing an Indian woman mask.

Production

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Michael Dougherty had "always wanted to do a scary Christmas movie", but the idea did not take form until his friends sent him an e-card featuring the Krampus creature which was, according to him "just love at first sight." Although this, according to Dougherty, happened in "the ancient times of the internet" the project would not be fleshed out until 2011, at which point he would team up with Zach Shields and Todd Casey to figure out the story.[11] On November 21, 2014, Allison Tolman and Emjay Anthony joined the cast.[7] On March 3, 2015, Adam Scott, David Koechner, and Toni Collette joined the cast.[6] Principal photography began on March 12, 2015, and officially wrapped in May 2015.[12] Creature effects were made by Weta Workshop.[13] The score was composed by Douglas Pipes and released on a double LP by Waxwork Records in 2018.[14]

Release

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(L-R) Moderator Chris Hardwick, director Michael Dougherty, and cast members Toni Collette and Adam Scott at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con to promote the film.

The film was originally scheduled to be released on November 25, 2015,[15] but was moved to December 4, 2015, to be closer to December 5, which is Krampusnacht.

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on April 26, 2016, and was internationally released on the same formats in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2016. An unrated, extended version of the film referred to as Krampus: The Naughty Cut was released on December 7, 2021, by Shout! Factory in a 4K and Blu-ray combo pack. This release features new bonus content such as interviews, commentaries, and featurettes, and runs approximately four minutes longer than the original theatrical edition.[16]

Merchandise

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An original graphic novel titled Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas was released on November 25, 2015, by Legendary Comics.[17] The comic is written by Brandon Seifert and features stories by writer/director Michael Dougherty and movie co-writers Zach Shields and Todd Casey. Art is provided by Fiona Staples, Michael Montenat, Stuart Sayger, Maan House and Christian DiBari.

Weta Workshop released a number of collectables through their online store, including statues (Krampus, The Cherub, The Dark Elf), a life-sized prop reproduction of the Krampus Bell and a collectable pin.[18]

Trick or Treat Studios released three Halloween Masks directly out of the screen used masters. The masks include Krampus and two elves, Window Peeper and Sheep Cote Clod.[19]

The popular Halloween store Spirit Halloween released a Halloween animatronic based on the main character Krampus.[20]

Reception

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Box office

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Krampus grossed $42.7 million in the United States and Canada and $18.8 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $61.5 million, against a budget of $15 million.[3]

In North America, Krampus earned $637,000 from its Thursday night showings, which began at 7 p.m.,[21] and topped the box office on its opening day with $6 million.[22] It rose 9.9% on Saturday over Friday, a rare occurrence for a horror film.[23] It went on to earn $16.3 million through its opening weekend from 2,902 theaters, which was above expectations and finished in second place at the box office, ahead of The Good Dinosaur, but behind The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 ($18.6 million), which was on its third weekend.[23][24] Scott Mendelson of Forbes felt the successful opening was attributed to the horror genre which was something of a new, unique and genuinely different offering at that time (the last time a Christmas-themed horror film opened was in 2006 with Black Christmas[25]). However, he also stated that had Universal not embargoed the reviews two days prior to its release, a wave of mostly positive reviews dropping a few days before release would have boosted its opening accordingly.[26]

Critical response

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On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 67% based on 130 reviews with an average rating of 6.1/10. The website's critical consensus reads "Krampus is gory good fun for fans of non-traditional holiday horror with a fondness for Joe Dante's B-movie classics, even if it doesn't have quite the savage bite its concept calls for."[27] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 49 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[28] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale.[29]

Accolades

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Krampus earned a pair of nominations for Best Horror Film from the Empire Awards and the Saturn Awards.[30][31][32]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The prequel graphic novel Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas revealed that anyone spared by Krampus will be kept on surveillance by him through their respective snow globes in his underworld lair in the mountains of Central Europe to make sure they never lose their Christmas spirit again.

References

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  1. ^ "KRAMPUS (15)". British Board of Film Classification. November 17, 2015. Archived from the original on June 1, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Krampus | Library of Congress". Library of Congress. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Krampus (2015)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Archived from the original on June 1, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  4. ^ Barton, Steve (October 30, 2014). "Legendary's Krampus Coming December 2015". Dread Central. Dread Central Media. Archived from the original on July 12, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  5. ^ Ford, Rebecca (October 30, 2014). "Legendary and Universal's 'Krampus' Avoids Showdown with Seth Rogen Christmas Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 12, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c d Kit, Borys (March 3, 2015). "Adam Scott, Toni Collette Join Christmas Horror Movie 'Krampus' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  7. ^ a b Henne, B.G. (November 21, 2014). "Allison Tolman joins Yuletide horror-comedy Krampus". The A.V. Club. The Onion. Archived from the original on June 1, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  8. ^ Sneider, Jeff (March 3, 2015). "Adam Scott, David Koechner Join Legendary's Horror Comedy 'Krampus' (Exclusive)". TheWrap. Archived from the original on March 19, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  9. ^ "Krampus (2015)". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 1, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  10. ^ "Krampus (2015)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  11. ^ Kaye, Don (December 8, 2015). "Krampus Director Talks His Scary Christmas Movie". Den of Geek. Dennis Publishing. Archived from the original on December 9, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  12. ^ Evry, Max (March 12, 2015). "Legendary Begins Principal Photography on Horror Comedy Krampus". ComingSoon.net. CraveOnline Media. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  13. ^ "Krampus". Weta Workshop. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  14. ^ Weiss, Josh (November 23, 2018). "WAXWORK RECORDS GETS FESTIVE WITH VINYL RELEASES OF KRAMPUS AND WARRIORS SOUNDTRACKS". SyFy Wire. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  15. ^ McClintock, Pamela (August 19, 2014). "Legendary and Universal's 'Krampus,' 'Spectral' Nab Release Dates". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on November 11, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  16. ^ "Krampus: The Naughty Cut [Collector's Edition] - UHD/Blu-ray :: Shout! Factory". Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  17. ^ "Trick 'r Treat, Krampus – Graphic Novel Announcement". Legendary Entertainment. March 19, 2015. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  18. ^ "Krampus Items". Weta Workshop. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  19. ^ "Krampus / Licensed Designs". Archived from the original on December 6, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
  20. ^ "7.5 Ft Krampus Animatronic - Decorations". Archived from the original on October 6, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  21. ^ Ford, Rebecca (December 4, 2015). "Box Office: 'Krampus' Creeps to $637K Thursday Night". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on December 7, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  22. ^ McClintock, Pamela (December 5, 2015). "Box Office: 'Krampus' Narrowly Wins Friday With $6M; Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' Opens at No. 13". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  23. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 7, 2015). "'Krampus' Rises During Ho-Ho-Hum Holiday Frame – Monday Final Update". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Archived from the original on December 5, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  24. ^ McClintock, Pamela (December 5, 2015). "Box Office: 'Krampus' Beats 'Good Dinosaur' With $16M; 'Hunger Games' Stays No. 1". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  25. ^ Mendelson, Scott (December 5, 2015). "Box Office: 'Krampus' Tops Friday With $6M, Spike Lee's 'Chi-Raq' On Track For $1.1M Debut". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 6, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  26. ^ Mendelson, Scott (December 6, 2015). "Box Office: 'Krampus' Scares Up A Christmas Miracle With $16M Weekend". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 7, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  27. ^ "Krampus (2015)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on June 1, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2021. Edit this at Wikidata
  28. ^ "Krampus Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  29. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 7, 2015). "Katniss, 'Krampus', 'Creed' & 'Good Dinosaur' Keep Post Holiday Frame From Singing The Blues At The B.O." Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Archived from the original on December 5, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  30. ^ Shepherd, Jack (March 21, 2016). "Empire Awards 2016: Winners in full as Star Wars and Mad Max: Fury Road dominate". The Independent. Archived from the original on March 21, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  31. ^ Nakamura, Reid (February 24, 2016). "Star Wars: The Force Awakens Leads Saturn Awards Nominees". TheWrap. Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  32. ^ Cohen, David S. (June 23, 2016). "The Force Awakens Rings Up Eight Saturn Awards". Variety. Archived from the original on December 28, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
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