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Ari Aster says his Hereditary prequel script is finished but lacks studio, schedule or funding, leaving fans unsure when the horror sequel will materialize.
Ari Aster told a Q&A at the American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week on June 7, 2026 that he has a completed prequel script for Hereditary but “it never feels like the right time” to move forward, leaving the project without a studio or timeline【1】. The director’s comment underscores why the film, despite its $90 million box‑office success, may remain shelved indefinitely.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Script status | Completed prequel written |
| Production outlook | No studio, no timeline |
| Box office | $90 million gross vs. $10 million budget |
| Next project | Directing Scapegoat with Scarlett Johansson |
Aster revealed the prequel would explore the backstory of Ellen Graham, the matriarch who led a pagan sect and initiated the decades‑long ritual to summon the demon Paimon. The screenplay remains “in a drawer” with no known destination, according to the director’s remarks at the festival【2】. While the original 2018 film continues to attract new viewers on streaming platforms, Aster is already committed to his next feature, Scapegoat, a satirical neo‑noir starring Scarlett Johansson slated after his 2025 western thriller Eddington【3】.
Hereditary grossed over $90 million worldwide, a ten‑fold return on its $10 million budget, and earned more than two dozen award nominations, winning 11 at the 2019 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards【4】. This strong commercial track record fuels speculation that a prequel could capitalize on the horror market’s appetite for bold, indie‑driven projects. However, industry insiders note that Aster’s current commitments and the lack of a clear production partner make the prequel’s future uncertain【2】.
Aster’s admission that the prequel “doesn’t feel like the right time” highlights a broader tension between creative ambition and practical constraints, leaving fans to wonder whether the untapped backstory of Hereditary will ever see the light of day.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 4 outlets · Jun 17, 2026 · How we report
Yes, Aster confirmed in a Q&A that he has written a completed prequel script for Hereditary.
Aster stated that it never feels like the right time and he has no current plans to make the prequel.
He said he hates the term, calling it a box critics placed him in, and rejects using it to describe his films.
Aster said DeVito attempted to fund the film but was unable to secure the necessary resources.
He highlighted Kane Parsons, director of Backrooms, and Curry Barker, filmmaker of Obsession, as examples of successful young horror creators.