Get ready to play another deadly game because the fan-favorite horror-comedy “Ready or Not” is getting a sequel!
In a thrilling announcement, it’s been revealed that Samara Weaving will reprise her role as the resourceful bride Grace, who fought for her life against her murderous in-laws in the original 2019 film. The directing duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and their filmmaking group Radio Silence are also set to return for the follow-up.
Screenwriters Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy, who penned the first movie, will return to continue Grace’s terrifying yet darkly comedic journey.
The original “Ready or Not” followed Grace as she married into the wealthy Le Domas family, only to discover that their lavish wedding reception concealed a sinister tradition. As part of an ancient pact with a demonic entity, the Le Domases were required to hunt down and sacrifice any new spouse who drew the unlucky “Hide and Seek” card during the family’s twisted game night.
Weaving’s Grace quickly found herself outmatched but never outmatched, using her wits and determination to outwit her power-hungry in-laws and survive until dawn, when the curse would be broken.
The film’s blend of horror, humor, and social commentary struck a chord with audiences, grossing $57 million worldwide on a modest $6 million budget. It also earned critical acclaim, praising Weaving’s performance and the filmmakers’ ability to craft a fresh, genre-bending tale.
Now, the team behind the original is looking to recapture that same magic with “Ready or Not 2.” While plot details are still under wraps, fans can likely expect more high-stakes mayhem and social satire as Grace navigates her newfound position within the Le Domas dynasty.
“Every other character in the original ‘Ready or Not’ died when the Le Domases fail to kill Grace before the deadline passes,” notes one industry analyst. “Unless Grace is taking a journey into Hell to meet Mr. Le Bail face to face, don’t expect to see Henry Czerny, Andie McDowell, or Adam Brody in this sequel.”
One possibility is for the sequel to center around a different deadly game, perhaps building on the film’s underlying themes about the elite class and their twisted rituals. Capture the flag? Tag? Musical chairs? The possibilities for mayhem are endless.
“A ‘Ready or Not’ sequel should keep the satirical spirit of the original; as blood-sucking immortals, vampires are a tried and true allegory for the super-rich,” the analyst suggests.
The success of “Ready or Not” helped propel the careers of both Weaving and the Radio Silence filmmaking collective, who have since taken on high-profile projects like the recent “Scream” reboot and the vampire thriller “Abigail.”
Now, with the sequel officially in the works, Weaving and Radio Silence are poised to once again capitalize on the horror genre’s ability to serve up thrills and social commentary in equal measure.
“Ready or Not” was a relatively low-budget affair, but the sequel will likely benefit from the franchise’s newfound popularity and the filmmakers’ rising profiles. Fans can likely expect an even more ambitious and visually striking take on the material this time.
As the horror genre continues to evolve and find new ways to engage audiences, the “Ready or Not” franchise stands out as a unique and compelling entry. With Weaving’s captivating lead performance and Radio Silence’s skilled direction, the sequel has the potential to build upon the original’s success and cement its status as a modern horror classic.
Whether Grace will face off against vampires, a new deadly game or some other sinister threat remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: Audiences are ready to don their wedding gowns again and run for their lives.