Anticipation Builds for 'They Follow': The Sequel to 'It Follows'

The long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed horror film *It Follows*, titled *They Follow*, is set to begin principal photography in the summer of 2026. This announcement was made by actress Maika Monroe during her appearance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. Monroe, who portrayed Jay Height in the original 2014 film, will reunite with director David Robert Mitchell, marking a significant return to the franchise after more than a decade.

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director‘They Follow’: Maika Monroe Says ‘It Follows’ Sequel (Finally) Filming This Summer

*They Follow* was officially announced in October 2023, with NEON serving as both the distributor and production partner. The sequel promises to expand the mythology established in the original film, which depicted Jay Height being pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. Monroe has indicated that the sequel will explore the threat in a more expansive manner, stating, “the threat has now spread everywhere,” which raises the stakes significantly compared to the original narrative.

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director

Monroe expressed her excitement about revisiting her character, noting that the script took her by surprise and defied her expectations regarding Jay's current situation. “It’s not at all what I expected, where you would find Jay,” she remarked, suggesting that audiences will also be shocked by the character's evolution over the past decade. This exploration of Jay's journey is particularly meaningful for Monroe, who considers the role pivotal to her career in horror cinema.

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director

David Robert Mitchell, who directed the original film, is returning to helm *They Follow*. The first film was a significant success, grossing over $14 million on a modest budget, and is credited with redefining modern horror through its unique storytelling and psychological depth. Despite initial plans for filming to commence in 2024, scheduling conflicts delayed production, pushing it back to the summer of 2026. Monroe's confirmation at SXSW marks a pivotal moment for fans who have been eagerly awaiting updates on the sequel's progress.

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director

The original *It Follows* achieved cult status by blending inventive horror with emotional authenticity, addressing themes of mortality and the inevitability of fate. The film's ambiguous ending left audiences with lingering questions about Jay's fate, making the sequel particularly intriguing. With Monroe and Mitchell reuniting, fans are hopeful that *They Follow* will honor the legacy of the original while exploring new narrative territories.

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director

• “I did this tiny little movie called It Follows at the very beginning of my career,” — Maika Monroe

‘They Follow’: Maika Monroe Says ‘It Follows’ Sequel (Finally) Filming This Summer

• “It’s been very cool to see this character that’s so important to me, see where she is ten years later.” — Maika Monroe

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director

• “It’s not at all what I expected, where you would find Jay,” — Maika Monroe

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director

As anticipation builds for *They Follow*, the horror community remains eager to see how the sequel will unfold and what new dimensions it will bring to the story of Jay Height.

Maika Monroe confirms ‘It Follows’ sequel filming this summer with original director