Samara Weaving Set to Return in “Ready or Not 2” as Sequel Gains Momentum

Samara Weaving confirms her return for "Ready or Not 2," with ongoing discussions to move forward with the sequel. The original film's success and the directors' commitment to the project suggest an exciting continuation of Grace's story, despite initial concerns following Disney's acquisition of Fox Searchlight.
SummaryFive years after the original film’s success, Samara Weaving confirms her return for “Ready or Not 2.” The first movie, a 2019 horror-comedy, became a hit, propelling Weaving and directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett into the limelight. In a ComicBook.com interview, Weaving discussed her involvement in the sequel, indicating ongoing discussions with the studio. The directors have already described the sequel’s script as exceptional. Despite initial concerns due to Disney’s acquisition of Fox Searchlight, Disney’s growing support for R-rated films suggests a green light is likely. The sequel promises to continue Grace’s story, potentially exploring her life after the original’s events. With the directors now free from other franchise commitments, production may accelerate, possibly weaving in elements from their “Abigail” universe.

Samara Weaving Returns for “Ready or Not 2”

Five years after the sleeper success of the original film, Samara Weaving is set to reprise her role in the highly anticipated sequel, “Ready or Not 2.” The 2019 horror-comedy, in which Weaving played Grace, a bride whose wedding night transforms into a terrifying hunt by her in-laws as part of a Satanic ritual, was a critical and commercial hit. With an impressive 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and a box office gross exceeding $57 million against a modest $6 million budget, “Ready or Not” launched both Weaving and the directing duo, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett of Radio Silence, into the spotlight.

Weaving Confirms Her Return

In a recent interview with ComicBook.com about her upcoming film “Azrael,” Weaving spoke about the development of “Ready or Not 2.” She confirmed her involvement in the sequel and hinted at ongoing discussions with the studio and filmmakers, humorously remarking, “I don’t know if we’ve had our blood handshake.” Her comments suggest a strong commitment to the project, even if formal agreements are still pending.

What This Means for “Ready or Not 2”

Nearly All the Pieces Are in Place

Weaving’s eagerness to return is a positive sign for the sequel, aligning with the directors’ previous remarks about the project. In April 2024, during the promotion of their film “Abigail,” Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett indicated that “Ready or Not 2” was in development, describing the script as an “absolute f—ing banger of a sequel.” Now, the decision to move forward largely rests with Fox Searchlight, the studio involved in its production.

Following Disney’s acquisition of the studio, there were concerns about the sequel’s viability due to Disney’s family-friendly reputation. Yet, Disney has shown growing support for R-rated and horror films through its subsidiaries, as evidenced by the successful theatrical release of “Alien: Romulus.” This suggests that “Ready or Not 2” could indeed get the green light.

Our Take on “Ready or Not 2”

Open Plot Threads Await Resolution

Although the original “Ready or Not” concluded in a satisfying manner, Weaving’s return opens up new possibilities for expanding the story. Grace survived the horrific events and the explosive demise of the Le Domas family, but she still faces the challenge of explaining the night’s ordeal to the authorities. Should she fail, “Ready or Not 2” might explore her life post-incarceration.

Who Is Le Bail? Ready Or Not’s Demon Explained

The directors’ departure from the “Scream” franchise suggests that they now have more time to dedicate to “Ready or Not 2,” potentially accelerating its production. While rights issues between Universal and Searchlight could pose challenges, there is also the intriguing possibility of weaving in elements from the “Abigail” universe, setting the stage for an exciting crossover involving Grace and Melissa Barrera’s character, Joey.

Source: ComicBook.com

Ready or Not

  • PG-R
  • Horror
  • Comedy
  • Thriller

In Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett's 2019 black comedy Ready Or Not, newlywed bride Grace Le Domas participates in a violent game of hide-and-seek with her fiancé's family, who attempt to kill her during her wedding night as part of a long-standing ritual. The film stars Samara Weaving as Grace, Mark O'Brien as Grace's husband Alex, Adam Brody as Alex's brother Daniel, Andie MacDowell as their mother Becky, and Henry Czerny, Melanie Scrofano, Kristian Bruun, and Elyse Levesque as other members of the murderous family.

Director
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Release Date
August 21, 2019
Studio(s)
Mythology Entertainment, Vinson Films, Radio Silence Productions
Distributor(s)
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Writers
R. Christopher Murphy, Guy Busick
Cast
Nat Faxon, Kate Ziegler, Elyse Levesque, Chase Churchill, Elana Dunkelman, Andie MacDowell, Liam MacDonald, Mark O'Brien, Nicky Guadagni, Adam Brody​, Henry Czerny, Ethan Tavares, Kristian Bruun, Melanie Scrofano, Samara Weaving, Etienne Kellici, John Ralston
Runtime
95 minutes
Budget
$6 million
Elliot Verde
Elliot Verde
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