Nearly a decade after her breakout role, Maika Monroe is set to return to the horror genre that catapulted her to fame. The actress recently shared some tantalizing details about her upcoming film, They Follow, the much-anticipated sequel to 2014’s It Follows. Monroe, along with the original writer and director David Robert Mitchell, is back on board, promising a sequel that will be worth the wait.
In an interview with Collider, Monroe couldn’t contain her excitement about the project. “David is brilliant. He wouldn’t make a sequel unless he believed it could surpass the original,” she said. “At first, I was skeptical about a sequel, but after reading the script, I was blown away. It’s so f***ing good. It’s bigger, darker, and more f***ed up than the first one.”
Monroe originally starred as Jamie “Jay” Height, a teenage girl haunted by a supernatural entity after her first sexual encounter. The film was a game-changer in the horror genre, earning a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and revitalizing the genre with its unique premise and execution.
Reflecting on her character’s journey, Monroe hinted that Jay’s story would take unexpected turns. “Where you’ll meet Jay in the sequel is not what you’d expect, but it’s so cool,” she explained. “The sequel is literally bigger and darker. Reading the script was the craziest experience ever.”
Monroe’s enthusiasm for the role is palpable. “I am so excited for this role. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this excited to delve into something. There’s a lot to explore, and I think it’s going to be incredibly challenging but also very fulfilling. Working with David again is something I can’t wait for,” she added.
Since the success of It Follows, Monroe has solidified her status as a “scream queen” with roles in films like The Guest (2014), Greta (2018), Villains (2019), Watcher (2022), and Significant Other (2022). Her upcoming film, Longlegs, is set to premiere on July 12, adding another horror title to her impressive resume.
Last October, it was officially announced that Monroe and Mitchell would reunite for the sequel, which will be produced by Neon and Good Fear Content. Filming is expected to begin in 2024, and fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the plot and returning cast members.
Monroe, known for keeping her projects under wraps, teased that audiences would “100%” get something new with the next chapter in Mitchell’s franchise. “Having read the script for They Follow, I can confirm that it’s going to be a ride. It’s bigger, darker, and more f***ed up than the first movie,” she said.
She continued to praise Mitchell’s vision and dedication. “David is very specific about what he wants to do. He turns down so many projects because he knows exactly what he wants to make. When I first heard about the sequel, I was curious about where we could go from here. But after reading it, I was convinced. It’s so good. I think where you’ll meet Jay at this point is maybe not what’s expected, but it’s so cool.”
Although Monroe couldn’t reveal more details about the plot or returning characters, she emphasized her excitement for the role. “I am so excited for this role. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this excited to delve into something. There’s a lot there to play with, and I think it’s going to be incredibly challenging, for sure, but so fulfilling. Working with David, I can’t wait,” she reiterated.
While fans wait for more information about They Follow, they can revisit the original It Follows, which is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Additionally, Monroe’s latest film, Longlegs, will be hitting theaters on July 12, offering another dose of horror for her fans.
With Monroe and Mitchell back at the helm, They Follow promises to be a sequel that not only lives up to but potentially surpasses its predecessor. The anticipation is high, and if Monroe’s excitement is any indication, horror fans are in for a treat.
