Full Breakdown
Ari Aster’s Unproduced “Hereditary” Prequel: Script Exists but No Plans to Shoot
6/10/2026, 2:17:31 AM
Core Event – Prequel Script Status
At a Q&A following a screening of *Hereditary* during American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week, director Ari Aster confirmed he has written a prequel script set in the film’s universe. He emphasized that “it never feels like the right time” and that, because it is a prequel rather than a sequel, he “doesn’t know where this goes.” No production schedule or financing details have been announced.
Background & Context – The Original Film’s Impact
*Hereditary* (2018) was Aster’s feature-directorial debut and quickly became a cultural touchstone in horror. The film follows the Graham family as grief triggers a cascade of occult events. Its success established Aster as a leading voice in contemporary horror and cemented a partnership with distributor A24.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ari Aster – Writer-director of *Hereditary* and its prequel script.
- A24 – Distributor of *Hereditary* and Aster’s subsequent films (*Midsommar*, *Beau Is Afraid*, *Eddington*).
- American Cinematheque – Hosted the Bleak Week event where the prequel was disclosed.
- Square Peg – Aster’s mentorship initiative, mentioned as part of his current activities.
- Scarlett Johansson – Attached to Aster’s upcoming project *Scapegoat*.
Data & Statistics – Financial Performance
- Reported worldwide grosses for *Hereditary* range from $83 million to $90.2 million, against a production budget of $10 million.
- Follow-up titles earned: *Midsommar* – $48 million; *Beau Is Afraid* – $11.1 million; *Eddington* – $13.7 million.
- Budgets for the latter two were $35 million (*Beau Is Afraid*) and $25 million (*Eddington*).
Official Statements & Responses – Aster’s Position
Aster explained that the prequel script is complete but remains undeveloped because the timing does not feel appropriate. He reiterated his rejection of the “elevated horror” label, describing it as a restrictive box that alienated genre fans. He also recounted a difficult financing period for *Hereditary*, noting that an unnamed financier exerted “a nightmare” level of control, which he described as “one of the darkest times of my life.” Finally, Aster acknowledged the film’s enduring fanbase, stating that many continue to approach him expressing admiration for *Hereditary*.
Criticism & Opposition – Label Controversy
Industry commentary frequently categorizes Aster’s work alongside Jordan Peele and Robert Eggers as “elevated horror.” Aster’s own criticism of the term highlights tension between critical framing and the director’s intent to work within horror traditions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Box-Office Figures
Sources differ on *Hereditary*’s total gross: Variety and Deadline cite “over $90 million,” People and NME list $83 million, while other outlets report $90.2 million. No source provides a definitive figure for the prequel’s plot or production status, leaving the project’s future uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wrote a prequel to this. It never feels like the right time. It’s a prequel, not a sequel, so I don’t know where this goes.” — Ari Aster, Director
- “I hate the term elevated horror, especially because it’s sort of a box that I was put in and horror fans took umbrage.” — Ari Aster, Director
- “It was just in the hands of a financier that was, how do we say it? Worse. I’m afraid to say the name because he might show up in my life. Really a nightmare who I had signed my life away, I had signed the film away to him” — Ari Aster, Director
- “More people come up to me and say they love this film more than any of the others.” — Ari Aster, Director
What’s Next – Upcoming Projects
Aster’s next confirmed undertaking is *Scapegoat*, a thriller starring Scarlett Johansson and produced by A24. He also plans to continue Square Peg’s mentorship program in Austin later this year. Until a new development window opens, the *Hereditary* prequel remains a written but unproduced work.
