In a move that's sure to excite fans of the supernatural horror genre, New Line Cinema has officially greenlit a sequel to the 2016 hit Lights Out. The studio has tapped acclaimed screenwriter Eric Heisserer, the scribe behind the critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller Arrival, to pen the script for the upcoming sequel, according to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter.
Expanding the Supernatural Saga
The original Lights Out, directed by David F. Sandberg, was a surprise hit, grossing over $148 million worldwide on a modest $5 million budget. The film's clever premise - a malevolent supernatural entity that can only be seen in the dark - struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, earning a respectable 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
What this really means is that New Line sees significant potential in expanding the Lights Out universe. By tapping Heisserer, known for his ability to craft thought-provoking, character-driven stories within the sci-fi and horror genres, the studio is signaling its intent to deliver a sequel that builds upon the original's success while potentially exploring deeper themes and expanding the mythos.
Heisserer's Horror Pedigree
Heisserer's involvement is particularly noteworthy given his impressive track record in the horror space. In addition to Arrival, he also wrote the screenplay for the Nightmare on Elm Street remake, as well as the supernatural thriller Lights Out itself. His ability to balance scares with deeper thematic elements has earned him a reputation as one of the more versatile and compelling horror writers working today.
The bigger picture here is that the success of Lights Out, coupled with Heisserer's involvement, suggests that New Line is poised to deliver a sequel that not only terrifies audiences but also resonates on a deeper, more meaningful level. As car-traveling reports, studios are increasingly recognizing the value in tapping writers who can elevate genre fare beyond simple jump scares and toward more complex, thought-provoking territory.
Only time will tell how Lights Out 2 will ultimately shape up, but with Heisserer at the helm and the full backing of New Line, horror fans have good reason to be excited about the future of this burgeoning supernatural franchise.