Oscar-Winning Horror Prequel 'Aunt Gladys' Gets Release Date from Warner Bros
Aunt Gladys is officially coming back.
Warner Bros. announced at CinemaCon that the Weapons prequel will hit theaters on September 8, 2028. The film will focus on the horror film's breakout antagonist.
Zach Cregger's Weapons became one of last year's unexpected genre hits. It amassed nearly $270 million worldwide on a $38 million budget and earned Amy Madigan an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her terrifying and campy performance as Aunt Gladys. Many horror fans saw the win as historic, reminiscent of a time when horror performances used to get more awards recognition. Trade outlets like Variety described the win as ‘inspiring'.
Although the plot details have been kept under wraps, it has been hinted that the new film will serve as an origin story, exploring Gladys' arrival in Maybrook. While writing Weapons, Cregger reportedly included a full chapter on Gladys' backstory but was forced to cut it due to time constraints.
Although Cregger is not directing the prequel, he will co-write the screenplay with Zach Shields, who also worked on Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. It has not yet been confirmed whether Madigan will reprise the role, but she told Variety at the Oscars: "Nothing's real until it is. But if it worked out, that would be great."The announcement was part of Warner Bros. Cinemacon slate that also included Final Destination 7, Evil Dead Burn, and Margot Robbie's Ocean's prequel.
Additionally, Cregger is preparing for another horror release. His adaptation of the Resident Evil video games is set to hit theaters on September 18, 2026, with Weapons alum Austin Abrams in the lead role.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 9:43 PM.