Prequel to "Weapons" Focuses on Aunt Gladys

A prequel to the successful horror film "Weapons," titled "Gladys," is currently in development at New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. The project will be co-written by Zach Cregger, who directed the original film, and Zach Shields, known for his work on the "Godzilla" franchise. The prequel aims to explore the backstory of Aunt Gladys, a character portrayed by Amy Madigan, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the original film.

Weapons Prequel: Zach Shields To Write The Script With Zach Cregger‘Gladys’ – Zach Cregger and Zach Shields Writing ‘Weapons’ Prequel MovieHollywood ReporterDeadline HollywoodNew Weapons Movie Officially Moving Forward As Monsterverse Writer Joins Zach Cregger

Released in August 2025, "Weapons" grossed over $270 million worldwide and received critical acclaim. The film centers on the mysterious disappearance of a group of children from a suburban community, with Aunt Gladys serving as a pivotal figure in the unfolding horror. Madigan's portrayal of Gladys has been described as a standout performance, contributing significantly to the film's success.

New Weapons Movie Officially Moving Forward As Monsterverse Writer Joins Zach Cregger

Zach Cregger, who directed and wrote "Weapons," is returning as a producer for the prequel alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo Entertainment. Zach Shields, who has previously worked on films like "Godzilla vs. Kong" and "Krampus," is co-writing the screenplay. Madigan has expressed enthusiasm about the potential for a prequel, indicating that there is a compelling story to tell about her character.

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Amy Madigan has commented on her character's impact, stating, “This is a woman who knows what she has to do, and she does it... I’m proud of my work as Gladys, but I never realized it would explode like this.” Cregger has also hinted at the prequel's development, saying, “There’s a story and I’m pretty excited about it. It’s not bullshit. I was ready. I had it kind of in my pocket before the movie came out.”

‘Gladys’ – Zach Cregger and Zach Shields Writing ‘Weapons’ Prequel Movie

While the prequel has garnered excitement, some industry observers remain skeptical about the viability of horror prequels, citing historical challenges in maintaining the original film's tension and mystery. Critics argue that the allure of the unknown is often diminished when backstories are explored in detail.

Weapons Prequel: Zach Shields To Write The Script With Zach Cregger

As of now, the prequel "Gladys" is in the scripting phase, with no confirmed release date or additional casting announcements. Cregger is also working on a reboot of the "Resident Evil" franchise, set to release in September 2026, which may affect his timeline for directing the prequel.

‘Gladys’ – Zach Cregger and Zach Shields Writing ‘Weapons’ Prequel Movie

The development of "Gladys" reflects the ongoing interest in expanding the "Weapons" universe, particularly through the lens of Aunt Gladys' character. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by both fans and industry analysts for its potential to capture the same success as its predecessor.

New Weapons Movie Officially Moving Forward As Monsterverse Writer Joins Zach Cregger