Gladys: Screenwriter found for the Weapons prequel

Following the phenomenal success of the horror thriller "Weapons," Warner Bros. is following up immediately: A prequel titled "Gladys" is in the works. According to Deadline, a screenwriter has now been found for the project.

We're talking about Zach Shields, who previously worked on "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." He'll be supported by Zach Cregger himself, who will also direct "Gladys." As the title suggests, the film centers on Aunt Gladys, played once again by Amy Madigan. She recently won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the icy antagonist.

In an interview with Deadline shortly before her Oscar win, Madigan spoke once again about the fascination of her role:

"This is a woman who knows what she has to do, and she does it. Now, granted, some of her methods might be a little unusual. But she has that, and I think all women in our business should have more of that confidence, myself included. So if I can take that away from it, I'll say this is a win for Aunt Gladys and for me."

Although specific details about the prequel's plot are still under wraps, Zach Cregger has already offered an interesting hint about the script's origins. According to Cregger, so much extensive background material on Aunt Gladys was developed during the production of "Weapons" that it would have exceeded the scope of the main film. A release date has not yet been announced.

Beyond Aunt Gladys: The Best Movie Recommendations for Fans of "Weapons"

The surprise hit "Weapons" has taken the horror genre by storm. With box office earnings of over $270 million and a historic Oscar win for Amy Madigan as Aunt Gladys, the film has proven that intelligent, character-driven horror is more relevant than ever. While screenwriters Zach Cregger and Zach Shields are already working on the prequel "Gladys," fans are left wondering: How do we bridge the wait?

If you love the mix of psychological depth, unpredictable twists, and a charismatic yet utterly terrifying antagonist, don't miss these handpicked movie recommendations.

Barbarian (2022): The Master's Touch

Before Zach Cregger wrote the screenplay for "Weapons", he shocked audiences with his directorial debut, "Barbarian". Anyone who enjoys the unpredictable narrative style of "Weapons" will love this film. What begins as a classic thriller about a wrongly booked Airbnb rental evolves halfway through into a completely different, disturbing nightmare.

Here, Cregger masterfully plays with viewers' expectations – exactly the quality he brought to "Weapons". There are also thematic parallels: the film deals with dark family secrets and places that exude their own malevolent history.

Hereditary (2018)

If you were captivated by Amy Madigan's Oscar-winning portrayal of Aunt Gladys, "Hereditary" is a must-watch. Ari Aster's masterpiece is the quintessential example of "elevated horror". Similar to "Weapons", the film centers on dysfunctional family dynamics overshadowed by an overpowering, almost religiously fanatical matriarch.

Toni Collette's performance as a desperate mother is every bit as intense as Madigan's. The film eschews cheap jump scares and instead relies on a creeping sense of unease that ultimately culminates in pure terror – a must-see for fans of psychological horror.

Misery (1990): The Power of the Obsessed Woman

Aunt Gladys was often described as a woman who "knows what she has to do". This purposeful, almost matter-of-fact brutality is strongly reminiscent of one of the genre's greatest classics: "Misery". Kathy Bates also won an Oscar for her role as Annie Wilkes – a rare triumph for horror cinema, one she shares with Amy Madigan. The parallels are striking: both antagonists exude a maternal sternness that can turn into murderous violence at any moment. Anyone who wants to see how an "unyielding woman" pursues her goals with "unorthodox methods" (as Madigan put it) cannot overlook Annie Wilkes.

Don't Breathe (2016): Tension in a confined space

While "Weapons" captivates with its extensive material and complex backstory, "Don't Breathe" delivers the same raw intensity. Here, it is a blind veteran who – much like Gladys – defends his territory with terrifying efficiency.

The film uses the setting of a seemingly ordinary house to create an atmosphere of hopelessness. Fans of the action-driven, physical tension of "Weapons" will appreciate director Fede Alvarez's nearly wordless yet highly suspenseful staging.

Pearl (2022): The Hunger for More

Since the prequel "Gladys" will shed light on the antagonist's origins, "Pearl" is the perfect preparation. Ti West's prequel to his film "X" depicts the psychological descent of a young woman who desperately seeks recognition and becomes a murderer in the process.

Mia Goth delivers a tour de force here, demonstrating how wounded ambition can turn into sheer madness. If you want to know how a prequel lays the groundwork for an iconic villain – exactly what Cregger intends to do with "Gladys" – this film is the ideal case study.

Conclusion: The Era of Sophisticated Horror

"Weapons" has filled a void that many genre lovers have longed for: horror that not only scares but whose characters you have to take seriously. Whether through the psychological depth of "Hereditary" or the madness of Annie Wilkes – the films mentioned above share the DNA that has made "Weapons" a modern classic. Until we get to experience Aunt Gladys' origin story on the big screen, these titles offer plenty of material to both scare and make you think.