Zach Cregger Developing Aunt Gladys Prequel in Talks with Warner Bros

Zach Cregger said he is developing a prequel film centered on Aunt Gladys, the eerie occult figure played by Amy Madigan in his hit horror film, and that talks with the studio are underway. In a recent interview the director said the project is real, that he has been discussing it with Warner Bros., and that he already has a story he is excited to pursue.

Cregger said the idea for an Aunt Gladys origin was not simply an afterthought to capitalize on the movie's success. He told a genre magazine that he had a concept "kind of in my pocket" before the film opened, and that the prequel would expand material he removed from the original script to streamline Weapons. Trade accounts earlier this year flagged studio interest following the film's strong box office performance; the movie has been reported to have earned more than $260 million worldwide against a production budget under $40 million.

Madigan, who drew attention for her distinctive portrayal of the orange haired, heavily made up Gladys, has signaled she would be open to returning. Speaking with an entertainment magazine, the 75 year old actress described her affection for the part while cautioning that in Hollywood...