Zach Cregger Confirms Development of Aunt Gladys Prequel for "Weapons"

Zach Cregger, the director of the successful horror film "Weapons," has confirmed that he is in discussions with Warner Bros. to develop a prequel centered on the character Aunt Gladys, portrayed by Amy Madigan. In an interview with Fangoria, Cregger stated, “It is real and I’ve been talking to Warner Bros. about it. There’s a story and I’m pretty excited about it. It’s not bullshit.” He emphasized that the concept for the prequel existed prior to the film's release, indicating he was prepared for this project before "Weapons" achieved its box office success, grossing approximately $263 million worldwide against a budget of under $40 million.

Zach Cregger Confirms He's Working On Weapons Prequel

"Weapons" follows the mysterious disappearance of 17 third-graders from their homes in a small town, creating a narrative filled with fear and intrigue. The film features a notable cast, including Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, and Benedict Wong, alongside Madigan's standout performance as Aunt Gladys. The character has garnered significant attention, leading to discussions about an Oscar campaign for Madigan.

Zach Cregger Confirms Plans for a Weapons Prequel Centered on Aunt Gladys

Cregger revealed that there were originally elements of Aunt Gladys's backstory included in "Weapons," but these were ultimately cut from the final version of the film. The prequel aims to explore this lost storyline, providing a deeper understanding of Gladys's character and her occult expertise. The director expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I had it kind of in my pocket before the movie came out.”

Weapons director Zach Cregger confirms Aunt Gladys prequel is "real" and "not bulls**t" - "There's a story and I'm pretty excited about it"

The character of Aunt Gladys has resonated with audiences, leading to a surge of interest in her origins. Makeup department head Leo Satkovich remarked on the character's impact, saying, “It’s something that’s so surreal to me that I feel like I’m still processing … We knew that we were creating a very special character.” This sentiment reflects the broader acclaim for "Weapons," which holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its originality and execution.

Deadline Hollywood

While Cregger has confirmed the prequel's development, Warner Bros. has yet to make an official announcement regarding the project. Cregger is also currently engaged in other projects, including a reboot of "Resident Evil" for Sony Pictures, which may influence the timeline for the Aunt Gladys prequel.

Variety Magazine

Despite the excitement surrounding the prequel, some critics express concern that exploring Aunt Gladys's backstory may detract from the mystery that made "Weapons" compelling. The balance between revealing too much and maintaining intrigue will be a critical consideration as the project develops.

Zach Cregger Confirms Plans to Direct Aunt Gladys Prequel: “It’s Real” — World of Reel

As discussions continue, fans of "Weapons" and Aunt Gladys await further updates on the prequel's progress. Cregger's commitment to the project suggests that it may soon move forward, potentially expanding the universe established in "Weapons" and providing deeper insights into one of its most captivating characters.

Weapons director Zach Cregger confirms Aunt Gladys prequel is "real" and "not bulls**t" - "There's a story and I'm pretty excited about it"