A prequel to Weapons is officially moving forward, with filmmaker Zach Cregger joining forces with Zach Shields to pen the script. The project, currently titled Gladys, is being developed at New Line Cinema and will delve into the backstory of one of the film’s most compelling figures.
The original film, released by Warner Bros. in August, followed the mysterious overnight disappearance of a group of children and went on to earn $270 million worldwide. Among its ensemble cast, including Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Amy Madigan, Madigan’s portrayal of Aunt Gladys struck a chord, ultimately winning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
The prequel is expected to explore the origins of Aunt Gladys and her arrival in the town, a direction Cregger had previously hinted at. Speaking about the possibility, Madigan shared, “Zach has a map of what he would like to do. It would be such a blast, and it would be really great if we could revisit her in some way. I’m excited about that possibility.”
Cregger, who previously helmed the horror hit Barbarian, will also serve as a producer on the new film alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment.
Meanwhile, Shields brings experience from the Monsterverse, having worked on Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, along with the horror feature Krampus.
Cregger is also currently attached to a reboot of Resident Evil for Sony, starring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, and Zach Cherry. The film is slated for a theatrical release on September 18. Meanwhile, Madigan has Sponsor and All the Sinners Bleed in the pipeline.