"Unhinged Sequel: First Photos of Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton in 'Ready or Not 2: Here I Come' Revealed (Exclusive)"

Samara Weaving is back in the spotlight for another gruesome adventure. PEOPLE has an exclusive preview of Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, the follow-up to the 2019 horror sensation. The film is directed once again by Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, known collectively as Radio Silence and also recognized for their work on the recent Scream reboots. The story revisits Grace after the deadly chaos of her wedding night.

"We never imagined the first film would resonate with audiences the way it has, and its an honor to revisit Graces world," said Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin. They also shared that filming with Weaving again was "far more emotional than anticipated." The directors added, "The original film changed our lives in so many ways, and seeing Samara back in that dress and character was truly special."

Weaving, 33, described the reunion as deeply moving. "I was nervous about remembering my role from the first film, but putting the dress back on brought the character flooding back. That fitting was an emotional experience for all of us," she said. "Returning to the character is one thing, but reuniting with this crew was the best part."

This installment also introduces Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elijah Wood, Sean Hatosy, Nstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand, Olivia Cheng, and David Cronenberg to the cast. "We adore this ensemble. Each actor brought something unique, and the mix of scary, humorous, and bizarre elements really stands out," said the directors.

Weaving reflected on the camaraderie formed during filming: "Running around covered in blood really bonds you. I would spend every day with this cast if I could. I adore them all."

Newton, 28, shared that her character was crafted specifically for her after working with the directors on 2024's vampire film Abigail. "My character has a bit of me in her and stirs up some troublebut in a fun way," she joked. She also praised Weavings support, adding, "This cast is a dream. Id love to work with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Samara again and again."

The directors teased that the sequel ties seamlessly into the first film while taking Grace into new, twisted circumstances. "We wanted to deepen her story without simply repeating the original," they explained. "We poured a lot of love into this sequel and hope both fans of the first film and newcomers will enjoy it."

Weaving described the follow-up as "wild, completely over the top, and something audiences will love. The writers found a way to make it a natural progression while still being surprising."

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is scheduled for release in theaters in spring 2026.

Author’s Analysis: What Ready or Not 2 Means for Horror Fans

Returning to the franchise, Samara Weaving’s role in Ready or Not 2: Here I Come highlights both continuity and growth in modern horror. The film reunites her with directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, who successfully blend suspense with dark humor, as seen in the original and the recent Scream reboots. The emotional resonance of revisiting Grace’s character is evident from both Weaving and the directors, signaling that the sequel will focus as much on character development as on horror set pieces.

The new ensemble, including Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Elijah Wood, promises to expand the narrative with fresh dynamics. Early insights suggest that the sequel balances horror with comedic and bizarre elements, preserving the tone that made the first film successful. Newton’s character, written specifically for her, indicates a deliberate approach to integrating new talent while maintaining thematic consistency.

From a production standpoint, the filmmakers emphasize that the sequel deepens the story rather than repeating it, suggesting a careful attention to continuity and audience expectations. With a theatrical release scheduled for spring 2026, Ready or Not 2 positions itself as a highly anticipated addition to contemporary horror, appealing to both returning fans and newcomers alike.

Sources:

• “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” First Photos Show Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton in 'Unhinged' Sequel (Exclusive)