One of the year’s most underrated genre offerings is getting a sequel. Lionsgate and MRC are teaming up once again for a follow-up to this summer’s horror/comedy The Blackening, which became an under-the-radar hit. So much so that the plan is now to turn director Tim Story’s slasher flick into a franchise.
According to Variety, the sequel is officially in development, with writers Dewayne Perkins and Tracy Oliver returning. No word yet on plot details or a possible title, be it The Blackening 2 or something a bit more clever. There’s also no indication as to whether or not Story will return to the director’s chair. Admittedly, it sounds like this one is in the very early stages as the studios have “entered talks” with the pertinent talent to get the project going. Producer E. Brian Dobbins is also due to be involved once again.
Released in June at the height of the summer movie season, The Blackening ended up flying a bit below everyone’s radar this year. Be that as it may, the film earned $18 million at the box office against a very modest $5 million production budget. It was also met with a very positive response from critics and audiences. So, even though it’s not a mega-hit like Five Nights at Freddy’s, it did well enough to warrant a continuation. For those who may have missed it, the synopsis for the film reads as follows:
“The Blackening centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize this ain’t no motherf****** game.”
Perkins also starred in the film in addition to co-writing the screenplay. Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah and Yvonne Orji rounded out the main ensemble. Not to spoil it but, as with any good horror movie, there was a body count so not everyone can or will return for the sequel. But the expectation is that some familiar faces would return with some fresh blood coming along for another round of deadly games.
The Blackening sequel does not currently have a release date but if you missed the first movie, it’s currently available on VOD and Blu-ray.
