Lights Out 2 gets a hopeful update from its director, as David F. Sandberg hints at future plans. Released in 2016 and based on his short film, Lights Out was Sandberg’s feature debut in supernatural horror. Starring Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, and Maria Bello, the movie follows a woman protecting her half-brother from a malevolent spirit tied to their mother’s past.
During Midnight Fest in Boston this weekend, Sandberg teased the future of Lights Out, saying: “There’s a chance there could be a sequel.” He revealed that there was a version set shortly after the original; however, some things might be changed now, as it’s been so long, with Lights Out 2 possibly having a time jump. Check out Sandberg’s comments below:
We did have a version of a sequel which it wouldn’t be if we do it now. Well, some of it might be. But that one took place shortly after [the original], but now Martin’s not a kid anymore, so it would have to take place, like, 10 years later.
The original 2016 film’s horror hinges on Martin’s vulnerability — Bateman was 12 when Lights Out was released — and the supernatural connection through his mother Sophie. A decade later, Sandberg states that Lights Out 2 may have a time jump to reflect Bateman’s own growth, meaning the sequel could explore how Diana (Alicia Vela-Bailey) continues to affect Martin’s adult life, deepening character development.
However, despite teasing this possible time jump, Sandberg also added: “I don’t know how much I should say, ’cause it could still happen.” His comments suggest that Lights Out 2 is very much a possibility, are he doesn’t want to spoil everything. With talks happening behind the scenes, it’s clear that Sandberg has been thinking about Lights Out’s potential sequel story.
On a $4.9 million budget, Lights Out was a major box office success, grossing $148.9 million worldwide. Its tight screenplay, atmospheric tension, and effective use of light in the narrative earned critical praise, holding a 74% Rotten Tomatoes score. The sequel could therefore build on this solid foundation, extending the franchise while honoring the original’s themes.
Currently, Sandberg is attached to produce and direct a new Amityville Horror movie for Amazon MGM Studios, with The Conjuring: Last Rites’ writing team penning the script. The film has been described as a reimagining of the 1979 classic. During Midnight Fest, Sandberg also shared: “I’m looking forward to doing a supernatural, classic horror again.” This project is currently in development.
While the future of Lights Out 2 remains uncertain, Sandberg’s willingness to revisit the franchise, even in preliminary discussions of potential sequel storylines, alongside his work on The Amityville Horror, suggests a promising future for horror fans eager to see more of the director’s work. Furthermore, we hope speculations about Lights Out 2‘s story manifest into something concrete soon.
- Release Date
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July 22, 2016
- Runtime
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81minutes
- Director
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David F. Sandberg
- Writers
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Eric Heisserer
