A long-awaited sequel to New Line’s *The Curse of La Llorona* is finally getting off the ground. Leading the cast are Jay Hernandez, famed for his role as the titular character in *Magnum P.I.*, and Monica Raymund, a standout from TV’s *Chicago Fire*. Joining them is Raymond Cruz, who co-starred in the 2019 original as a curandero (a traditional healer).
The ensemble also features rising talents Edy Ganem (*9-1-1*), Martín Fajardo (*Griselda*), Acston Luca Porto (*Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado*), and Avie Porto (*Bob Hearts Abishola*), all of whom are set to appear in the upcoming film. Production officially kicked off this week in Buffalo, bringing together a dynamic mix of seasoned actors and promising newcomers.
Returning to the fold is the producing team of Emile Gladstone, Gary Dauberman, and James Wan—a trio synonymous with blockbuster horror. However, this time around, the directorial and writing reins have been handed over to fresh talent. Canadian filmmaker Santiago Menghini, acclaimed for his award-winning short *Milk* and his feature debut with the 2021 horror film *No One Gets Out Alive*, steps into the director’s chair. Meanwhile, Sean Tretta, known for his collaboration with Wan on Universal’s *Creature from the Black Lagoon* project, has penned the script.
The fact that production is now underway marks a remarkable revival for a sequel that had been repeatedly shelved, including at least one instance during pre-production. The most recent delay came in early 2024, likely due to budgetary constraints. But La Llorona’s haunting presence proved impossible to ignore. The original film, released in 2019 and starring Linda Cardellini under the direction of Michael Chaves (who later helmed *The Conjuring: Last Rites*), was a surprise hit, grossing $123 million worldwide. *The Conjuring: Last Rites*, Chaves’ latest entry in the enduring supernatural franchise, further underscores its box-office power, having raked in over $460 million globally against a $55 million budget.
With Latino audiences continuing to flock to horror thrills, *The Revenge of La Llorona* aims to capitalize on this dedicated market. Executive producers for the new installment include Mia Maniscalco, Jamie Buckner, Michael Clear, and Judson Scott.
The story centers on the vengeful spirit La Llorona’s return, compelling a fractured family to confront their haunted past. To save their children from the Weeping Woman’s clutches, they must reunite with their estranged curandero grandfather and face ancient malevolent forces.
Menghini is represented by UTA, Good Fear, and Mike Castrillo at McKuin Frankel. Tretta is managed by CAA, Adventure Media, and attorney Jennifer Levy. Cruz is represented by Media Artists Group, Raymund by Gersh and Door 24, and Hernandez by CAA, Alchemy Entertainment, and Fuller Law. Fajardo is represented by Magnitude Entertainment and CESD, while siblings Acston Luca Porto and Avie Porto are managed by Coast to Coast Talent Group, D.R. Entertainment, and attorney Carolyn Conrad. Ganem is represented by Prime Talent Media, Allegory Creative Talent, and Yorn Levine.
