Is Hereditary 2 Happening? Ari Aster's Sequel Idea & Everything We Know (2024)

Released in 2018, Hereditary quickly cemented itself as a modern horror masterpiece, and there are now rumors about Hereditary 2. Directed by Ari Aster, the film delves deep into the grief and dark secrets of the Graham family, unraveling a terrifying tale of possession, sacrifice, and a curse that transcends generations. With standout performances, particularly by Toni Collette as the matriarch Annie, the film was both a critical and commercial success. Hereditary not only scared its viewers but also introduced them to the intricate storytelling and visual mastery of Ari Aster.

Since his breakthrough with Hereditary, Ari Aster has become one of the most respected visionary filmmakers in the horror genre. Aster followed Hereditary up with the filmsMidsommar and Beau Is Afraid, continuing to explore human psychology and relationships through the lens of horror and suspense. Despite the success of his subsequent projects, speculation about him returning to the chilling universe of his breakthrough movie has been rampant among fans. The unique blend of supernatural horror and family drama in Hereditary has left many wondering about Hereditary 2, and even Aster himself has spoken about it.

Hereditary 2 Is Not Confirmed

Hereditary 2's Listing On IMDb Doesn't Mean Anything

Unfortunately, Hereditary 2 is not confirmed. The rumor mill went into overdrive when Hereditary 2 was listed as "in development" on IMDb in 2022. Fans of the original film were abuzz with excitement at the prospect of delving back into the Graham family's cursed legacy. Even though Hereditary seemed like a self-contained story, this news led to speculation about the expansion of the Hereditary universe. However, this listing seems to have been premature, as there has been no official confirmation from Ari Aster, A24, or any involved production company.

Everything Ari Aster Has Said About Hereditary 2

The Filmmaker Actually Has An Idea For A Sequel

Ari Aster's comments on a potential sequel to Hereditary have been both intriguing and non-committal. In a Q&A session following a double screening of Hereditary and Midsommar, the visionary filmmaker explained (via The Week Media):

I have an idea for a sequel to Hereditary... Who knows if I'll ever do it.

It seems as if, even though he has an idea for a sequel, it's still in its very early stages. This statement also leaves much to the imagination, suggesting that while Aster has contemplated continuing the story, he remains undecided on whether to pursue this path. The ambiguity of his statement reflects the filmmaker's cautious approach to sequels, emphasizing his commitment to storytelling and creative integrity over commercial pressures. It's clear that his projects are deeply personal and artistically driven, suggesting that if Hereditary 2 were to happen, it would need to meet his high standards for originality and impact.

Hereditary 2 Cast

Alex Wolff Could Return As Peter

Peter (Alex Wolff) stands as the primary candidate to return for a sequel. Peter's transformation into a vessel for the demon king Paimon sets a compelling premise for his character's future. While other characters met tragic ends, the supernatural elements of Hereditary open the door for their return in various forms. Toni Collette's character, Annie, could feasibly make a comeback, further exploring the family's demonic ties and the aftermath of the film's haunting conclusion. The potential for characters to return, either in flashbacks or as manifestations of demonic presence, offers a rich canvas for Aster to explore in a sequel.

Hereditary 2 Story

The Sequel Could Follow The Earthly Embodiment Of Paimon

Predicting the storyline for Hereditary 2 is challenging, given Ari Aster's penchant for subverting audience expectations. However, a sequel could potentially focus on Peter's life as the earthly embodiment of Paimon, exploring the psychological and supernatural challenges he faces. The original film's exploration of family trauma, grief, and existential dread could evolve into a narrative about identity, power, and the legacy of the Graham family's curse.

Paimon is also one of 72 demons mentioned in the real-life The Lesser Key of Solomon, a grimoire (book of magic) that gives instructions on how to summon each mystical being. Following this lore, a Hereditary sequel could find brand new characters trying to summon any of the other demons mentioned in the grimoire, thus setting up a horror anthology franchise.

Aster's storytelling is known for its depth and complexity, meaning any sequel would likely delve into new, unsettling territories while maintaining the original's thematic core. The idea of Peter grappling with his new role and the implications of his family's past, or new characters trying to summon other demons from The Lesser Key of Solomon offers a tantalizing premise for Hereditary 2, should it ever happen.

Sources: IMDb, The Week Media

Hereditary

R

Horror

Documentary

Mystery

Thriller

Where to Watch

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The feature film debut of writer-director Ari Aster, Hereditary tells the story of the unwittingly cursed Graham family. Annie Graham (Toni Collette) lives with her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) and their children Peter (Alex Wolff) and Charlie (Milly Shapiro). After the death of Annie's mother, the family is beset by disaster and stalked by a supernatural entity that dredges up a past that Annie had spent her life trying to overlook.

Director

Ari Aster

Release Date

June 7, 2018

Studio(s)

A24

Distributor(s)

A24

Writers

Ari Aster

Cast

Toni Collette , Milly Shapiro , Zachary Arthur , Gabriel Byrne , Mallory Bechtel , Alex Wolff , Ann Dowd

Runtime

2h 7m

Budget

10 million