'Weapons' Prequel 'Gladys' Adds Zach Shields to Co-Write With Zach Cregger

Key Points:

• Zach Shields has been hired to co-write the screenplay for the highly-anticipated prequel movie "Gladys," based on the breakout character Aunt Gladys from the horror hit "Weapons," alongside filmmaker Zach Cregger.
• "Weapons" achieved significant success, grossing $270 million worldwide and earning Amy Madigan an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Aunt Gladys, who is set to return in the prequel.
• The prequel's storyline remains undisclosed, but it will explore Aunt Gladys' backstory as a parasitic witch known for her distinctive "deranged grandma" look, which became a popular Halloween costume in 2025.
• The success of "Weapons" and the prequel development highlight the growing recognition of the horror genre in the film industry, with New Line generating over $1 billion globally in 2025 from horror franchises like "The Conjuring," "It," and "Final Destination."
• Producer Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment will return for the new movie, while Shields continues his collaboration with Warner Bros. following his work on multiple Godzilla and Kong projects.