Gladys: Zach Cregger is leaving the spin-off!

Zach Cregger will take on significantly fewer responsibilities on "Gladys" than originally planned. In an interview with the industry magazine Deadline, the director of "Weapons" confirmed that he will no longer be involved in the spin-off as a screenwriter. Originally, the filmmaker was not only supposed to develop the story together with writer Zach Shields but also to direct the film himself. Now he will remain with the project solely as a producer.

It should come as no surprise that Warner Bros. wants to expand on the story of "Weapons". After its theatrical release, the horror film became an international surprise hit, grossing more than $270 million worldwide. According to Cregger, so much material centered on Aunt Gladys was generated during production that it simply wouldn't have fit into the main film. Rather than letting these ideas go to waste, the decision was made to develop them into a separate film.

Once again, the plot centers on Aunt Gladys, portrayed by Oscar winner Amy Madigan, whose backstory will be explored. "Gladys" is set to hit theaters on September 8, 2028. Until then, however, it remains unclear who will direct the film and which actors will join Madigan in the cast.

Weapons: How the Horror Film Became a Major Box Office Sensation

Long before its theatrical release, "Weapons" was one of the most talked-about horror films of 2025. This was due not only to its unusual story but, above all, to one name: Zach Cregger. After his surprise hit "Barbarian", expectations for his next film were enormous. With "Weapons", he ultimately achieved something that has become increasingly rare in modern horror cinema: an original story evolved into a true cinematic event.

The Barbarian Effect

Cregger had made a name for himself in no time at all with "Barbarian" in 2022. The horror film began as a seemingly classic story about an Airbnb rental and then took completely unexpected turns. It was precisely this willingness to surprise the audience that became a hallmark of the director.

Consequently, there was a great deal of curiosity surrounding "Weapons". Even before its theatrical release, the film was touted as the filmmaker's next big hit. Added to this was an unusual premise: 17 children disappear from their homes on the same night and run off in the same direction at exactly 2:17 a.m. Only one child remains behind. The question of "why" thus became the film's central mystery.

A trailer that raises more questions than it answers

Marketing was a key component of the hype. Instead of explaining the plot in as much detail as possible, "Weapons" relied on atmosphere, unsettling images, and numerous unanswered questions. The concept worked particularly well on social media, where fans discussed individual scenes, possible explanations, and the identity of those responsible. As a result, the film itself became a mystery. Viewers didn't just want to know if "Weapons" was actually any good – they were desperate to find out what lay behind the children's mysterious disappearance. The fact that the story is told from different perspectives further amplified this effect.

Critics further fueled the hype

Even before the official theatrical release, the first reviews generated additional attention. "Weapons" was hailed by numerous critics as proof that Cregger is one of the most interesting new voices in horror cinema. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 93 percent positive rating, while Metacritic gives it a Metascore of 81. Cregger's direction, the unusual narrative structure, and his ability to sustain suspense over a long period were particularly praised. At the same time, the film also sparked debate because it deliberately avoids answering every question in a conventional way.

From Hype to Box Office Success

This interest ultimately translated into box office success. "Weapons" opened in the U.S. with approximately $43.5 million and went on to gross more than $270 million worldwide. For an original horror film without an existing franchise, that's a remarkable result. Thus, the insider tip finally became a mainstream hit. "Weapons" proved that audiences are certainly willing to go to the movies for a completely new story – if the film generates enough curiosity.

Why Weapons Sticks in the Memory

The hype surrounding "Weapons" ultimately stemmed from several factors: a director with growing cult status, an unusual mystery concept, a strong cast, and a marketing campaign that deliberately didn't give too much away. Above all, however, the decisive factor was the feeling that you had to see the movie for yourself as soon as possible, before the internet spoiled the big surprises.

It was precisely this combination that made "Weapons" more than just another horror movie. A mysterious project became a talking point – and that talking point ultimately became one of the year's most remarkable horror box office hits.