What's Happening?
New Line Cinema has reignited plans for a sequel to the 2016 supernatural horror film 'Lights Out.' The studio has enlisted Connor Osborn McIntyre to write the screenplay for 'Lights Out 2.' McIntyre is known for his work on the upcoming thriller 'Animals,'
directed by Ben Affleck. The original 'Lights Out' was a significant success, grossing $149 million worldwide on a budget of less than $5 million. The film, directed by David F. Sandberg, was based on his short film and featured a ghostly entity haunting a family. Sandberg, along with original producer Lawrence Grey, will return as producers for the sequel. Additional producers include Ben Everard, Lotta Losten, and James Wan's Atomic Monster. While plot details for the sequel remain undisclosed, the project has been in development intermittently over the years, with previous scripts penned by Eric Heisserer and Chris Borrelli.
Why It's Important?
The revival of 'Lights Out 2' underscores the ongoing demand for successful horror franchises in Hollywood. The original film's impressive box office performance demonstrated the profitability of low-budget horror films, encouraging studios to invest in sequels and similar projects. This move could further solidify New Line's position in the horror genre, potentially leading to more collaborations with emerging talents like McIntyre. The involvement of high-profile producers and the return of key figures from the original film suggest a commitment to maintaining the quality and appeal that made 'Lights Out' a hit. For audiences, this sequel promises to deliver another thrilling experience, potentially expanding the film's universe and exploring new horror elements.
What's Next?
With McIntyre on board as the screenwriter, the next steps for 'Lights Out 2' involve finalizing the script and moving into pre-production. The involvement of producers like James Wan and the original team suggests that casting and production announcements may follow soon. As the project progresses, fans of the original film can anticipate updates on plot details and potential release dates. The film's development will likely attract attention from horror enthusiasts and industry watchers, eager to see how the sequel will build on the success of its predecessor.
