Will Weapons Get A Sequel? Exploring Rumors and Confirmations for a Horror Follow-Up

The question on every horror fan’s mind is, “Will Weapons Get A Sequel” Following the explosive success of Zach Cregger’s horror thriller, starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, speculation about a potential follow-up is rampant.

With a worldwide box office gross of $148,744,723 as of August 18, 2025, per Box Office Mojo, and a 94% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s critical and commercial triumph has fueled discussions about its future.

Online rumors and early confirmations suggest that a return to the eerie world of Weapons is possible, potentially as a prequel. Here’s a detailed look at the latest buzz and what it means for a second film.

Key Highlights:

• Box Office Success: Weapons earned $148,744,723 globally, with $89,044,723 domestically (59.9%) and $59,700,000 internationally (40.1%) as of this writing.

• Critical Acclaim: Boasts a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore, signaling strong audience and critic approval.

• Prequel Talks: Warner Bros. and New Line are in early discussions for a prequel focusing on Aunt Gladys, played by Amy Madigan.

• Director’s Vision: Zach Cregger has confirmed he has an idea for another story in the Weapons universe but won’t pursue it immediately.

• No Firm Timeline: Cregger’s commitments to Resident Evil (set for September 2026) and another project, Flood, delay a sequel to at least late 2027.

Is a Weapons Prequel in Development?

Reports indicate that Warner Bros. and New Line are already exploring a prequel to Weapons, focusing on the enigmatic Aunt Gladys, played by Amy Madigan, whose performance has been hailed as Oscar-worthy.

According to Deadline, early talks are underway, though no deals or timelines are confirmed. A key detail fueling this speculation is that Cregger had written a chapter on Gladys’ backstory for the original film, which was cut for length but could be expanded into a full-length prequel.

This lost chapter hints at her ancient origins, with references to “consumption” (an old term for tuberculosis) suggesting she may be over 150 years old.

The prequel idea stems from Gladys’ breakout status as a fan-favorite character. Her supernatural abilities and mysterious past, including her use of witchcraft and a cursed potted tree, left audiences craving more. However, it’s unclear if Madigan would reprise her role or if a younger actress would portray a youthful Gladys, given the potential historical setting.

What Has Zach Cregger Said About a Sequel?

Director Zach Cregger has been vocal about his interest in returning to the Weapons universe, though he’s not rushing into it.

In a Variety interview, he stated, “I can’t help it: I have another idea for something in this world that I’m kind of excited about. I’m not going to do it next, and I probably won’t do it after my next movie, but I do have one, and I’d like to see it on the screen one day.”

This sentiment has been echoed across multiple outlets, including ScreenRant, GamesRadar+, and Men’s Journal, confirming Cregger’s enthusiasm but tempered by his packed schedule.

Cregger’s next projects include a Resident Evil reboot, slated for September 18, 2026, and an original film titled Flood. These commitments push any potential Weapons sequel or prequel to late 2027 or beyond. Despite the wait, Cregger’s track record with Barbarian ($45.4M worldwide) and Weapons’ massive $148M haul suggests studios are eager to capitalize on his vision.

Why Does Weapons’ Success Fuel Sequel Speculation?

Weapons’ box office dominance, with a $42.5M domestic opening and $71.8M global debut, has made it one of 2025’s top horror films, outpacing Final Destination: Bloodlines ($51.6M) and Sinners ($48M).

Its modest $38M budget and nearly 400% return on investment make a follow-up financially appealing for Warner Bros. The film’s 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and A- CinemaScore further bolster its case, as audiences and critics alike praise its non-linear storytelling and chilling premise about 17 missing schoolchildren.

Social media buzz, including posts on X, amplifies the demand for more. Fans and outlets like FANGORIA and DiscussingFilm have highlighted the prequel talks and Cregger’s comments, with some speculating about exploring lingering mysteries, such as the fate of the surviving children or the origins of Gladys’ cursed tree.

The film’s viral marketing, including the fake Maybrookmissing.com website, has kept audiences engaged, further driving sequel hype.

Could a Sequel Explore New Stories or Characters?

While a prequel focusing on Gladys is the leading rumor, Cregger’s comments suggest flexibility in the type of follow-up. He’s hinted at a story set in the same universe, which could mean a sequel, prequel, or spin-off.

Potential narratives include the long-term trauma faced by Justine Gandy (Julia Garner) or the surviving children, or new supernatural threats tied to Maybrook’s mythology. The original film’s chapter-based structure, inspired by Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, offers ample room for fresh perspectives without revisiting the same characters.

There’s also speculation about whether stars like Garner, Brolin, or Alden Ehrenreich would return. While no casting is confirmed, Garner’s standout performance as Justine makes her a likely candidate for a sequel exploring her character’s aftermath.

Alternatively, a prequel could introduce new faces to delve into Gladys’ ancient past.

What Challenges Might Delay Weapons 2?

The biggest hurdle for a Weapons sequel or prequel is Cregger’s schedule. His Resident Evil reboot, which will feature an original story in the game’s universe, is in pre-production, and Flood is next in line.

These projects, combined with a potential DC Studios script about a Gotham henchman, mean Cregger’s focus is divided. Additionally, no formal deals for a prequel have been signed, and the concept remains in early development, making a release before 2027 unlikely.

Another challenge is audience expectations. Weapons’ unconventional structure and shocking twists set a high bar, and fans are dissecting its mythology online, raising the stakes for a follow-up to match its impact.

Cregger’s deliberate approach suggests he’ll only proceed when the story is fully developed, ensuring quality over haste.

Should Fans Expect Weapons 2 Soon?

While the appetite for a Weapons sequel or prequel is undeniable, fans may need patience. Cregger’s commitment to other projects and the early stage of prequel talks point to a long wait, likely beyond 2027.

However, the film’s massive success and Cregger’s clear interest in the universe make a return to Maybrook highly probable.

Whether it’s Gladys’ origin story or a new tale of supernatural horror, Weapons has laid the groundwork for a chilling franchise.

Keep an eye on theaters and stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.