'IT FOLLOWS' movie sequel set to start filming next year | MarkMeets | Celebrity News, Music, Movies, TV, London Film Premieres

‘They Follow’: The Sequel to ‘It Follows’ Set to Begin Filming in 2024

In 2014, the indie horror film ‘It Follows’ took the world by storm, leaving audiences both terrified and intrigued. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, the film introduced a unique and chilling concept: a curse that is transmitted from person to person, leading to relentless pursuit by an unknown entity. Now, nearly a decade later, the highly anticipated sequel, ‘They Follow,’ is gearing up for production, promising to deliver more bone-chilling suspense and a continuation of the enigmatic storyline that captivated viewers in the original film.

Table of Contents

Returning Faces: Maika Monroe and David Robert Mitchell

The success of any sequel often hinges on the return of key cast and crew members who contributed to the original film’s allure. ‘They Follow’ is no exception, as both the director and one of the lead actors from ‘It Follows’ are set to reprise their roles.

Director David Robert Mitchell, known for his innovative approach to horror filmmaking, will not only be helming the sequel but will also be penning the script. This dual role suggests a deeply personal commitment to the project, ensuring that the vision of ‘They Follow’ remains true to the spirit of ‘It Follows.’

Maika Monroe, who portrayed Jay Height in the original film, is making a triumphant return to the franchise. Her character, Jay, played a pivotal role in ‘It Follows,’ and her involvement in ‘They Follow’ hints at the continuation of her harrowing journey. As the cursed character pursued relentlessly in the first film, Jay’s return raises intriguing questions about the nature of the curse and the new challenges she may face.

The Curse Continues

While plot details for ‘They Follow’ remain shrouded in secrecy, the return of Maika Monroe as Jay Height suggests that the curse, a central element of ‘It Follows,’ will remain a focal point in the sequel. In the original movie, the curse was a malevolent force that could be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Once cursed, individuals were pursued by a relentless entity that could take on various human forms, making it nearly impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The curse only relented when the cursed individual had sexual contact with another person, passing it along in a grim cycle.

This sinister concept left audiences in a state of perpetual unease, as the relentless nature of the curse, coupled with the elusive entity’s ever-changing appearance, created an atmosphere of constant dread. The curse was an embodiment of the fear of the unknown, the consequences of one’s actions, and the inescapable specter of mortality. With ‘They Follow’ on the horizon, we can expect the curse to once again play a central role, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Sequel Tease: A Glimpse into the Past

The notion of a sequel to ‘It Follows’ has been lingering since the release of the original film. In 2015, Tom Quinn, co-president of Radius-TWC, one of the distributors of ‘It Follows,’ hinted at the possibility of a follow-up. He tantalizingly stated, “I don’t want to give away too much, but we’ve thought about it.” This cryptic comment served as a beacon of hope for fans eager to delve deeper into the nightmarish world introduced in the first film.

Director David Robert Mitchell was equally open to the prospect of a sequel. He expressed his willingness by saying, “I have a lot of different kinds of projects in many different genres, so I don’t know that a sequel would be the next thing that I would do, but I’m certainly open to it. I just kinda want to see how things play out.”

This openness from the creative minds behind the film underscored the potential for ‘It Follows’ to become a franchise that delves further into the curse’s mysteries and the psychological horror it generates.

Maika Monroe’s Enthusiasm

In addition to the director’s and producer’s openness to the idea of a sequel, Maika Monroe, who played Jay Height in the original film, expressed her eagerness to collaborate with David Robert Mitchell again. She shared her admiration for the director, describing him as “incredible,” and praised the unique cinematic world he had crafted in ‘It Follows.’ Her words were both a testament to her passion for the project and a tantalizing hint at the potential storyline for ‘They Follow.’

Monroe stated, “I don’t know where the story would go, but I would love to work with David, the director, again because I think he’s incredible, and what he created here was something else. We’ll see how it does. Maybe! Maybe!”

These sentiments from Monroe reflect the strong bond that can form between actors and directors during the creation of a groundbreaking film. Her enthusiasm for a potential sequel suggests that the storytelling and creative synergy between the cast and crew of ‘It Follows’ are ingredients for cinematic success that deserve to be revisited in ‘They Follow.’

What Lies Ahead: Plot Speculation

With ‘They Follow’ set to begin filming in 2024 and plot details still shrouded in mystery, fans of ‘It Follows’ are left to speculate about what the sequel might entail. The original film left many questions unanswered, and ‘They Follow’ has the potential to shed light on the curse’s origin, nature, and potential means of breaking it.

One of the central mysteries surrounding the curse is its origins. How did it come into existence, and what malevolent force drives it? ‘It Follows’ only provided vague hints, leaving ample room for exploration in the sequel. The sequel could delve into the history of the curse, revealing a dark and ancient secret that has haunted countless generations.

Additionally, the question of whether the curse can be permanently broken is a tantalizing one. ‘It Follows’ established the cycle of transmission through sexual contact, but the mechanics of the curse’s creation and potential termination remain unexplored. ‘They Follow’ may offer answers, providing a glimmer of hope to those ensnared by the curse or plunging them deeper into despair.

The nature of the entity pursuing the cursed individuals is another enigma. In the original film, it could take on various human forms, making it impossible to predict who might be the next victim. ‘They Follow’ has the opportunity to further explore the entity’s origins, motives, and potential weaknesses. Is it an otherworldly being, a vengeful spirit, or something even more sinister?

Moreover, ‘They Follow’ may introduce new characters and explore how the curse impacts their lives. This expansion of the narrative could offer fresh perspectives on the curse’s horrors and the psychological toll it takes on those who bear its burden.

Exploring Psychological Horror

One of the key elements that set ‘It Follows’ apart from traditional horror films was its emphasis on psychological horror. The curse itself was a manifestation of deep-seated fears and anxieties, primarily related to the inescapability of death. This existential dread was at the core of the film’s chilling atmosphere.

‘They Follow’ has the opportunity to delve even deeper into the psychological aspects of horror. By continuing the story and introducing new characters, the sequel can explore how individuals cope with the knowledge that they are pursued by an unknown, supernatural force. It can delve into the paranoia, isolation, and existential crises that the curse instills in its victims.

In particular, the impact on Jay Height, portrayed by Maika Monroe, can be a central focus. Her character has already undergone significant development in the original film, and ‘They Follow’ can showcase the long-term effects of her harrowing experience. The sequel may delve into her efforts to break the curse and the toll it takes on her mental and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, the curse’s theme of sexual transmission and intimacy can be explored in greater depth. ‘They Follow’ can examine how individuals navigate their relationships in the face of the curse, addressing issues of trust, vulnerability, and the consequences of sexual encounters. This adds layers of complexity to the horror and the characters’ struggles.

Expanding the Cinematic Universe

While ‘It Follows’ was a standalone film that left much to the imagination, ‘They Follow’ has the opportunity to expand the cinematic universe and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the curse and its implications. This expansion can take various forms, including:

Historical Exploration: The sequel can explore the curse’s history, potentially tracing it back through the ages. This historical perspective can provide context and reveal how different generations dealt with the curse.
Geographic Variation: ‘It Follows’ was set in a suburban Michigan town, but ‘They Follow’ can take the curse to new locations, introducing regional variations and different cultural interpretations of the curse.
Secondary Curses: The sequel may introduce the concept of secondary curses, where individuals who have encountered the cursed may also become targets. This could create a web of interconnected stories and characters.
Government Involvement: ‘It Follows’ hinted at the curse’s existence being known to a select few, potentially including government agencies. ‘They Follow’ can delve into this secret world, exploring how authorities deal with the curse.
Mythology and Folklore: The curse’s origins and nature can be explored through mythology and folklore, connecting it to ancient legends and beliefs.

By expanding the cinematic universe, ‘They Follow’ can create a richer and more immersive narrative that captivates both new and existing fans of the franchise.

Conclusion

As the sequel to the 2014 horror sensation ‘It Follows,’ ‘They Follow’ holds immense promise. With director David Robert Mitchell and actress Maika Monroe returning, the creative team is set to deliver a continuation of the eerie and psychologically intense world that captured audiences’ imaginations.

While plot details are still under wraps, the return of Jay Height and the pervasive curse indicate that ‘They Follow’ will delve deeper into the enigmatic horror that made ‘It Follows’ a genre-defining film. It has the potential to expand the curse’s lore, explore its psychological impact, and introduce new characters, all while maintaining the original’s atmosphere of dread and suspense.

For fans of ‘It Follows,’ ‘They Follow’ offers the opportunity to revisit a nightmare they can’t escape. And for those new to the franchise, it’s a chance to be initiated into a world where fear is transmitted, and something sinister relentlessly follows. As production begins in 2024, the countdown to another spine-tingling cinematic experience has officially commenced.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com