Zach Cregger and Zach Shields write script for Weapons prequel titled Gladys

Zach Cregger and Zach Shields will write the script for the prequel to Weapons, a horror film that became a critical and box office success. The project by New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. has the working title Gladys, which refers to the character played by Amy Madigan in the original feature film. Production counts again with Cregger and producers Roy Lee and Miri Yoon, from Zach Shields0.

The film Weapons grossed more than $270 million worldwide after its release in 2025. Amy Madigan received the Oscar for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Aunt Gladys, in addition to winning the Sindicato award from Atores in the same category. The actress highlighted in an interview the character’s determination to carry out her actions, even if using methods considered unusual.

‘Weapons’ prequel about Aunt Gladys is officially in the works at Warner Bros

Zach Cregger and Zach Shields are writing the script

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Early prequel development details

The two screenwriters have already started work on the new text. Zach Cregger directed and wrote Weapons, while Zach Shields brings experience in major genre productions. The prequel seeks to explore the origin of the mysterious figure known as Aunt Gladys.

The declared intention is for the film to be able to sustain itself independently, without depending exclusively on the narrative of the first feature. Produtores and the studio closely monitor the initial stages of writing.

Professional trajectory of Zach Shields

Zach Shields recently participated in Godzilla Kong, Godzilla: Godzilla0 of the Godzilla1 and Godzilla2, all in partnership with Godzilla3.

In the field of television, Shields served as co-executive producer of Lady in the Lake, a series on Apple TV+ starring Natalie Portman and directed by Alma Har’el. Ele also contributed as a consulting producer on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, another Lady0 production.

• Shields maintains representation with Range Media Partners.
• It also has support from the office Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman.
• His play Dad’s Leg was performed at Hudson Theatre, at Los Angeles, between February and March of this year.

Previous contributions and partnerships of Cregger

Zach Cregger has a busy schedule in genre cinema. Ele is preparing the film adaptation of Resident Evil, scheduled for release on September 18, 2026. The project is produced in partnership with Sony Pictures.

Cregger is represented by CAA, Artists First and agents Karl Austen and Michael Auerbach. The partnership with Roy Lee and Miri Yoon is repeated in the prequel, reinforcing the continuity of the creative team.

Expectations surrounding the character Gladys

Amy Madigan gave a striking performance as Alex’s enigmatic aunt, played by Cary Christopher in the original film. The actress mentioned that the character shows confidence when carrying out what she considers necessary.

The prequel should deepen the background of this central figure. Fontes near the project indicate that the story intends to present the events that led Gladys to Maybrook, the location of the main plot of Weapons.

Project progress in the studio

New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. hold advanced early conversations about the prequel. The choice of screenwriters took place after internal discussions that prioritized professionals with a history in suspense and horror narratives.

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The working title Gladys signals a direct focus on the antagonist. The production seeks to balance elements that worked in the first film with new layers about the character’s past.

Connections to the recent horror universe

Weapons stood out for transforming community grief into a horror narrative. The prequel follows this line by investigating the origins of one of the elements most talked about by the public and critics.

Shields has accumulated credits in franchises that mix action, monsters and psychological tension. Essa luggage should contribute to the construction of scenes that maintain the mysterious tone present in Weapons.

Related announcements timeline

Interest in a prequel arose shortly after the release of Weapons. Relatos initials already pointed to the desire to expand the story of Aunt Gladys.

The confirmation of the screenwriters represents the most concrete step to date. Equipes Creative and executive teams monitor the development of the text before defining the next stages.

Cast and production perspective

Although there are no details about the return of actors, the focus remains on building the origin of Gladys. Amy Madigan, at 75 years old, delivered a performance that broke a fast of almost 16 years without Oscar for the horror genre in the supporting acting category.

The technical team is expected to be announced as the script progresses. Produtores Roy Lee and Miri Yoon have already demonstrated their ability to deliver projects with high visual and narrative impact.

Expected next steps

Cregger and Shields work together on early screenplay development. The studio evaluates the material as pages are delivered.

The adaptation of Resident Evil by Cregger continues in parallel, with an estimated budget of around 80 million dollars and a tone described as an intense sequence of action and horror. Essa Agenda reinforces the director’s positive moment in the market.

The prequel to Weapons gains more defined contours with the entry of Zach Shields. The writing duo combines complementary visions to bring the story of Gladys to life.