According to Variety, Walt Disney Pictures is in final negotiations with Martin Short to play the villain in The Santa Clause 3.

Short will get a seven-figure deal to play Jack Frost, who tries to take over Christmas from Santa Claus.

Tim Allen returns as Santa, aka Scott Calvin, who struggles to keep his new family happy while battling Frost.

Michael Lembeck, who directed the second "Santa Clause" film, returns to helm the third installment.

Lensing starts November 14 for a holiday 2006 release.