Writer/director Michael Dougherty tackled the Halloween holiday in excellent fashion with the 2007 anthology horror film Trick ‘R Treat, and now he’s poised to work his magic on the spirit of Christmas.  Deadline reports that Dougherty will co-write and direct the horror comedy Krampus for Legendary Pictures, based on the ancient legend about a pagan creature who punishes children on Christmas.  He’ll pen the holiday-themed pic alongside Todd Casey and Zach Shields, and if it’s anything like Trick ‘R Treat, we’re in for a fun ride that celebrates the holiday spirit while also adding a unique spin on the familiar tropes.

Dougherty previously co-wrote X2 and Superman Returns and is working on the script for the upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse, but Trick ‘R Treat remains his sole directorial feature.  He’s working on a Trick ‘R Treat sequel at Legendary as well, but it’s unclear if Krampus will come first.  Interestingly, filmmaker Kevin Smith is also working a Krampus-centric film of his own, with production set to begin this fall.