Hollywood producers reconsidering a prequel for the blockbuster hit of 2025, 'Weapons', may not be the best course of action, as suggested.
In the summer of 2025, Zach Cregger's film Weapons became the breakout hit, earning a reported $92 million internationally[7]. The mystery horror film, revolving around the disappearance of 17 children, has been praised for its tense and deliriously entertaining narrative[8]. However, a prequel for Weapons has sparked debate among critics and fans alike.
The proposed prequel, reportedly in the works, could involve a time reversal and focus on the origin of the events in the Weapons universe[3]. Critics argue that this approach could undermine the film’s core mystery and the fear of the unknown that is central to its horror[1][2][4]. The article from Culture suggests that prequels often spoil continuity, reduce tension, and provide unnecessary explanations that weaken the narrative[4].
One of the main concerns is the potential focus on the character Gladys, played by Amy Madigan. In the original film, Gladys' parasitic and terrifying presence forms the film’s main horror element, and her backstory or motivations remain a mystery[1]. Explaining these elements through a prequel would undercut the audience's personal imagination and fear, which thrives on ambiguity and uncertainty[1][2][4].
Zach Cregger, the filmmaker, initially considered an early draft chapter that would have followed Gladys’s perspective. However, he scrapped the idea as it would have ruined the fright factor by removing mystery[1]. The nightmare invoked by Gladys is stronger because audiences are purposely kept in the dark about why she invades families and terrorizes towns; a prequel would diminish this[4].
Moreover, critics argue that villain origin stories can ruin the mythology and scariness of antagonists. Examples like Norman Bates, Darth Vader, and Hannibal Lecter demonstrate how knowing their origins makes them less frightening[4]. A lack of motive for a villain can make them scarier, as seen in the original Weapons film.
Despite the controversy, Zach Cregger is reportedly working on an original film titled Flood and is also involved in the upcoming Resident Evil film[6]. The success of Weapons has set a record for the summer of 2025, but the prequel's fate remains uncertain.
The review for Weapons compares it to Rashomon-style narrative, Twin Peaks, Prisoners, and Stephen King's works[5]. As the debate over the prequel continues, fans can only wait and see if the sequel will live up to the original's chilling mystery and horror.
[1] Culture, "The Proposed Prequel for Weapons: A Bad Idea?" [2] The Film Journal, "The Impact of Villain Origin Stories on Horror Films" [3] Variety, "Weapons Prequel in Development" [4] The Hollywood Reporter, "Why Prequels Can Ruin Horror Films" [5] The New York Times, "Weapons: A Review" [6] Deadline, "Zach Cregger's Upcoming Projects" [7] Box Office Mojo, "Weapons Box Office" [8] Rotten Tomatoes, "Weapons Reviews"
Movies-and-TV enthusiasts have expressed concerns about the proposed prequel for the horror film Weapons, as it may potentially unravel the mystery and horror elements that made the original film so entertaining. The Entertainment Weekly article warns that prequels can compromise a film's continuity, reduce tension, and provide unnecessary explanations that weaken the narrative.
