Exciting News on Crawl 2’s Production Timeline
Alexandre Aja, the director of the original 2019 horror film Crawl, has provided an encouraging update on the filming timeline for the eagerly anticipated Crawl 2. The first movie, produced alongside Evil Dead creator Sam Raimi, followed Kaya Scodelario’s character, Haley, and her estranged father as they were trapped in their family home during a Category 5 hurricane, besieged by a swarm of alligators. Crawl received largely positive reviews, earning an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming a sleeper hit at the box office, grossing $91 million against a modest $15 million production budget.
Aja’s Continued Commitment to Crawl 2
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter about his work on the Halle Berry-led horror film Never Let Go, Aja discussed his ongoing involvement with Crawl 2. He explained that he never really stopped thinking about the film, continually brainstorming ideas for a sequel:
Aja acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had temporarily delayed the project but expressed his desire to remain deeply involved in the sequel’s development. Looking ahead, he confirmed his readiness to advance the film, with hopes that production might begin as soon as next year:
What This Means For Crawl 2
The Wait for the Sequel May Not Be Long
Aja’s remarks indicate positive progress for Crawl 2, following its announcement in August 2024. It was revealed then that Project Almanac duo Andrew Deutschman and Jason Pagan would take over scripting duties from the original writers, Michael and Shawn Rasmussen. Although Aja has not specified when filming will start, reports suggest that production is slated to commence in Fall 2025 in Europe. This timeline allows ample time for assembling the cast and selecting the perfect shooting location.
New $91 Million Alligator Movie Sequel Can Bring A Great Urban Legend To Life
Moreover, Aja’s comment about “lining up so many scenes” hints that filming could start even sooner. While this might not alter Paramount’s release strategy, which likely aims for a Summer 2026 debut to mirror the first film’s box office success, it would grant Aja more time for filming and post-production. Nevertheless, if Smile 2 proves to be a big hit, Paramount might consider releasing Crawl 2 during the Halloween season, affording Aja even more preparation time.
Our Take on Crawl 2
Aja’s Dedication Bodes Well for the Sequel’s Success
Natural monster films like Crawl rarely receive sequels, and even fewer achieve the quality of their predecessors. However, Aja’s enthusiasm for Crawl 2 inspires confidence in his ability to replicate the original’s success. His careful development over five years suggests a genuine commitment to crafting a worthy sequel, rather than simply chasing financial gain.
Furthermore, Aja’s track record with sequels is promising. While previous films like his remakes of Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes and Joe Dante’s Piranha have spawned follow-ups, Aja did not direct those sequels. Crawl 2 marks his first foray into directing a sequel, and his emotional investment in the project is likely to yield a compelling continuation of the story.
Source: THR
Crawl
- Horror
- Adventure
- Action
Crawl is a horror thriller set during a Florida Hurricane. It follows a young woman named Haley who refuses to heed the mandatory evacuation order to search for her father, who went missing at the beginning of the storm. When Haley finds her father seriously injured, they discover the hurricane is the least of their problems. Suddenly, their home is besieged by a group of massive alligators looking for their next meal.
