Scream directors explain how their new vampire horror movie fits into the Universal Monsters universe, and share hopes for a sequel

2024-03-15

EntertainmentMoviesHorror MoviesAbigailScream directors explain how their new vampire horror movie fits into the Universal Monsters universe, and share hopes for a sequelWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: Universal)

Melissa Barrera as 'Joey' in Abigail

Abigail, the new blood-soaked horror movie fromScreamdirectors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, isn’t even in cinemas yet but that hasn’t stopped the twosome from daydreaming about making a follow-up to the upcoming vampire flick.

In the new issue ofSFX magazine, which featuresStar Trek: Discovery season 5on the cover, the pair admitted they’d “be lying” if they claimed they didn’t hope for Abigail to be popular enough to kickstart – or shall we say, battement? – a franchise. They also confirmed that the movie was more of its own standalone thing, then an installment in the ever-growing Universal Monsters ensemble.

“I think that there’s something also really, really amazing about creating new original things that can then go on to be the franchises of the future,” says Bettinelli-Olpin. “Those are the movies that we were born and raised on in so many ways. So creating a new version of that? Sign us up!”

“Spoiler alert! Vampires don’t age. So you’re kind of like, ‘Let’s just make the best movie we can with Alisha [Weir] while we can, and if we’re lucky to have a sequel, that’s somebody else’s problem,” Gillett joked.

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Alisha Weir in Abigail

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Starring Kathryn Newton, Giancarlo Esposito, the late Angus Cloud, Dan Stevens, Melissa Barrera, and Matilda breakout Weir in the titular role, the film follows a ragtag team of kidnappers who realize too late that the 12-year-old girl they’ve been asked to keep captive isn’t just the daughter of a powerful criminal; she’s a vampire. And a ballet-dancing one at that…

“When a sequel happens it means that the first movie did well enough that you know there’s a demand for a second one. So I’m always up for that,” Barrera adds to SFX. “Getting to spend more time with a character is so delicious as an actor, getting to explore more of the character is always so nice. It is a spoiler to tell you the biggest reason why I want a sequel, so I won’t tell you. But I do want a sequel!”

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Abigail releases on April 19. The above is just a snippet from our interview, available inthe latest issue of SFX magazine, which features Star Trek: Discovery season 5 on the cover and is available on newsstands from Wednesday, March 20. Check out the cover below…

There’s a new issue of @SFXmagazine beaming down with subscribers shortly, and in stores from 20 March! World exclusive new #StarTrek interviews, plus the making of #DoctorWho and much, much more! Support physical media, buy magazines! 🖖 pic.twitter.com/hIflvP7FVnMarch 15, 2024

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