Samara Weaving and Radio Silence are poised to walk down the cinematic aisle once again, this time for a romantic reunion of sorts as they embark on crafting 'Ready or Not 2' – a thrilling sequel to their 2019 dark comedic horror masterpiece that captivated audiences worldwide. Joining forces once more, the actress and the filmmaking trio of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, and Chad Villella reunite under the banner of Searchlight Pictures to continue the terrifying tale.
Penned by the talented duo of Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy, the original film spun a web of suspense and intrigue around a blushing bride, brilliantly essayed by Weaving, who stumbled upon her new family's bizarre wedding night tradition: a deadly game of chance involving a puzzle card deck. Drawing the dreaded 'Hide and Seek' card, she unwittingly ignited a macabre ritual aimed at satisfying an ancient pact with the devil. The star-studded cast also boasted the likes of Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, and Andie MacDowell, elevating the film's allure.
Crafted on a modest budget of $6 million, 'Ready or Not' surpassed all expectations, raking in over $28 million domestically and becoming Searchlight's widest theatrical release at the time. It garnered widespread critical acclaim for its seamless blend of heart-pounding suspense, inventive kills, and poignant social commentary. Even in the home entertainment realm, its popularity and profitability continue to soar.
Tripp Vinson, Bradley J. Fischer, William Sherak, and James Vanderbilt return as the film's producing force, with Villella and Tara Farney taking on executive producer roles. While plot details remain under wraps, the promise of Busick and Murphy returning to the writing helm fills fans with anticipation.
The announcement of this sequel comes on the heels of a glamorous screening of the original film at Hollywood's iconic El Capitan Theatre, where Weaving and Radio Silence were poised to engage in a lively Q&A session following the show. Overseeing the project for Searchlight are VP of Production Richard Ruiz and Creative Executive Cornelia Burleigh, who report directly to the co-heads of production and development, DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas.
'Ready or Not' not only terrified audiences but also catapulted the careers of Weaving and Radio Silence to new heights. The latter has since fueled the horror genre's fire, revitalizing the 'Scream' franchise with two recent installments, and delving into the world of vampiric ballerinas with 'Abigail,' released earlier this year by Universal Pictures.
Weaving, meanwhile, has graced the silver screen in an array of projects, including 'Bill & Ted Face the Music,' Searchlight's 'Chevalier,' and Damien Chazelle's lavish homage to early Hollywood, 'Babylon.' Represented by CAA and 111 Media, she continues to shine as one of Hollywood's brightest stars. Radio Silence, represented by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners, remains a force to be reckoned with in the horror filmmaking landscape.
