Nicolas Cage Returns to the Twisted World of ‘Longlegs’ – But With a New Home
The unsettling universe of Longlegs is expanding, and Nicolas Cage is back for another descent into the macabre. However, this time, the journey takes a surprising turn as Paramount Pictures has secured the rights to a new feature set within the same world, stepping in as the new home for the franchise after Neon’s breakout success in 2024.
From Indie Darling to Studio Powerhouse: The ‘Longlegs’ Shift
The original Longlegs, a low-budget horror that grossed a remarkable $128 million worldwide, catapulted director Osgood Perkins into the spotlight and solidified Maika Monroe’s status as a scream queen. The film’s unique blend of occult themes, psychological manipulation, and a chilling crime procedural resonated with audiences, making it Neon’s highest-grossing domestic release. However, sources indicate that the scope and budget for the next installment exceeded Neon’s typical parameters, paving the way for Paramount’s involvement.
Paramount Doubles Down on Horror
This acquisition signals a significant push by Paramount into the horror genre. Under the leadership of Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg, the studio is actively building its horror slate, boasting production entities focused on the genre and first-look deals with prominent filmmakers like Parker Finn (Smile). The studio is also revitalizing established franchises like Paranormal Activity and riding high on the success of Scream 7, which earned $211.9 million.
What to Expect: A Universe, Not a Sequel
While details are scarce, insiders stress that the new project isn’t a direct sequel to Longlegs, but rather a story “set in the Longlegs universe.” This opens up possibilities for exploring different facets of the world established in the first film, potentially introducing new characters and storylines while retaining the unsettling atmosphere that captivated audiences. Osgood Perkins will once again write and direct, with Nicolas Cage returning to star and produce.
Perkins and Cage: A Creative Partnership Continues
Perkins is currently busy with other projects, including The Monkey, Keeper, and The Young People, starring Nicole Kidman, Lola Tung, and Nico Parker. Cage is set to appear in Amazon Prime Video’s Spider-Noir series and will portray football legend John Madden in David O. Russell’s upcoming biopic, Madden.
Pro Tip: The Power of World-Building in Horror
The decision to expand the Longlegs universe rather than create a direct sequel is a smart move. Successful horror franchises often thrive on world-building, allowing for diverse storytelling opportunities and sustained audience engagement. Think of the Conjuring universe or the Halloween franchise – each installment adds layers to the mythology, keeping fans invested.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
Producing the new Longlegs film alongside Perkins and Cage are Brian Kavanaugh Jones of Range Media, Chris Ferguson of Phobos, and Dave Caplan of C2, the company that originally financed the first movie.
FAQ
Is this a direct sequel to the first Longlegs? No, it’s a new story set within the same universe.
Will Maika Monroe return? That information has not been released.
When will the new Longlegs movie be released? A release date has not yet been announced.
What kind of horror is Longlegs? It blends elements of occult horror, psychological thriller, and crime procedural.
Did you know? Longlegs was filmed in Oregon, adding to its eerie and atmospheric quality.
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