Aunt Gladys: Prequel to the horror hit Weapons

The horror film "Weapons" is considered one of the biggest box office hits of the year and delighted fans and critics alike. A few weeks ago, a rumor made the rounds that a prequel entitled "Aunt Gladys" was apparently in development – this has now been confirmed via Fangoria!

As the title suggests, the film is set to shed light on Aunt Gladys' backstory. The occult expert will once again be embodied by Amy Madigan, who already gave us goosebumps in "Weapons". Director Zach Cregger revealed that the idea for the prequel existed long before the release of "Weapons". A planned storyline about her past was removed from the film at the time – now this material is to be used in the prequel.

Before that, however, Cregger will be devoting himself to another major project: a reboot of "Resident Evil". The adaptation of the legendary Capcom video game will tell a completely new story. Quote Cregger:

"I'm not going to tell Leon's story, because Leon's story is told in the games. … I am the biggest worshiper of the games, so I'm telling a story that is a love letter to the games and follows the rules of the games."

"Resident Evil" opens in cinemas on September 18, 2026.

Horror movie tips in the style of Weapons: when terror gets under your skin

Zach Cregger's "Weapons" has shown that modern horror can be far more than just jump scares and bloody effects. The film combines occultism, psychological suspense and atmospheric terror to create a dense experience that has resonated with audiences worldwide. If you are looking for similar films that slowly but inexorably unfold the horror, you will find what you are looking for in the following list. Here are seven movie tips that take a similar thematic and stylistic direction to "Weapons" – from eerie family dramas to nightmarish cult stories.

Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster's directorial debut is a prime example of how horror can evoke not only fear but also deep despair. Just like in "Weapons", the occult plays a central role and the family story is riddled with dark secrets. The atmosphere builds slowly until it culminates in a shocking finale that you won't soon forget. Fans of Aunt Gladys' mysterious knowledge of rituals and the supernatural will find a thematically fitting counterpart here.

The Witch (2015)

Robert Eggers' "The Witch" is a minimalist but incredibly haunting work set in 17th century New England. A strictly religious family is banished to the wilderness and confronted with an invisible, ominous force. Like "Weapons", the film is characterized by an oppressive atmosphere and largely dispenses with heavy-handed shock effects. Instead, the claustrophobic isolation and psychological pressure create a sense of inevitable decay.

Midsommar (2019)

Ari Aster's second film proves that horror doesn't necessarily have to take place in dark cellars. "Midsommar" takes place under bright daylight in a seemingly idyllic commune in Sweden – until the festivities turn out to be part of a bizarre cult. The slow build-up, the constant escalation and the play with rituals and traditions are strongly reminiscent of the dramaturgy of "Weapons". Anyone who appreciates the subtle horror that unfolds beneath the surface should not miss this film.

It Follows (2014)

David Robert Mitchell's modern horror classic picks up on a simple but effective idea: An unseen threat relentlessly pursues the victim – slowly but inevitably. The paranoid tone and dark symbolism make the film an intense experience. As in "Weapons", the focus is less on the visible monster than on the constant fear that drives the characters mad. The unusual staging and the menacing synth music heighten the effect.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Roman Polanski's classic remains one of the most disturbing horror films ever, even after decades. A young woman in New York is entangled in a web of rituals and dark plans by her seemingly friendly neighbors. Like "Weapons", the film thrives on allusions, paranoia and the question of whether evil is real or imagined. Anyone who appreciates the mixture of psychological horror and occultism should definitely catch up on this movie.

Saint Maud (2019)

Rose Glass' debut film is a chamber drama-like horror trip about a young, strictly religious nurse who slips into dangerous fanaticism. "Saint Maud" is both psychologically and spiritually charged and is reminiscent of the intensity with which "Weapons" forces its characters into inner abysses. The film combines religious symbolism, mental illness and physical cruelty in a way that resonates for a long time.

The Empty Man (2020)

Often overlooked, David Prior's "The Empty Man" is an insider tip for fans of mysterious occult horror. The story begins like a classic urban legend thriller, but develops into a complex, metaphysical nightmare about cults, cosmic powers and the fragility of reality. Similar to "Weapons", the film mixes investigative work, supernatural elements and an incessantly threatening atmosphere.

Why these films in particular?

All of the above titles have something in common: they tell their stories not through loud effects or flat shock moments, but through atmosphere, characters and an omnipresent threat. This makes them perfect recommendations for viewers who have enjoyed "Weapons". Zach Cregger's film has shown that modern horror can have its roots in psychological dramas and mythical tales – and this is exactly the path that the aforementioned films follow.

Conclusion

Horror in the style of "Weapons" thrives on the slow escalation, the inescapable feeling of doom and characters trapped in a reality that is increasingly breaking down. Anyone looking for a mixture of occultism, psychological suspense and creeping terror will find a perfect match in "Hereditary", "The Witch", "Midsommar", "It Follows", "Rosemary's Baby", "Saint Maud" and "The Empty Man".

These films are more than just scary experiences – they are profound, often disturbing stories that linger for a long time. And that is precisely what makes them worthy recommendations for anyone who still hasn't had enough of horror after the credits have rolled on "Weapons".