AceShowbiz - Weapons is expanding its universe with a planned Prequel film currently in development at New Line Cinema. The project centers on the breakout character Aunt Gladys, a role that earned Amy Madigan an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in the original 2025 horror hit.

The original Weapons film, directed by Zach Cregger, was a commercial success, grossing $270 million worldwide following its August release through Warner Bros. The story revolves around a group of children who mysteriously vanish during the night. The cast also featured notable actors such as Julia Garner and Josh Brolin.

Zach Cregger is teaming up with Zach Shields, a screenwriter known for his work on the Monsterverse franchise including Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, to co-write the screenplay for the prequel. The new film currently carries the working title Gladys, focusing on the origin story of Aunt Gladys and her arrival to the town central to the first movie.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter late last year, Amy Madigan expressed enthusiasm about revisiting the character, revealing that Cregger has a clear vision mapped out for the project. "It would be such a blast, and it would be really great if we could revisit her in some way. I'm excited about that possibility," Madigan said.

Cregger, who also directed the horror film Barbarian and is currently working on Sony's upcoming Resident Evil reboot, will return as a producer on the prequel. He is joined by producers Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment. Cregger is represented by CAA, Artists First, and agents Karl Austen and Michael Auerbach.

Zach Shields is represented by Range Media Partners and Hirsch Wallerstein. His recent work includes the Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures production Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Shields also has credits on Universal’s Krampus.

The upcoming Resident Evil reboot, featuring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, and Zach Cherry, is scheduled for release on September 18. Meanwhile, fans of Weapons can anticipate the prequel’s development as it promises to delve deeper into the chilling mythology introduced by Cregger.

Deadline was the first outlet to report on the collaboration between Cregger and Shields for the new screenplay, marking an exciting expansion of the Weapons franchise.