Exciting news for horror enthusiasts: a sequel to the 2015 indie horror film “Circle” is officially in development. The original film, which gained a cult following after its release on Netflix, captivated audiences with its unique premise. In “Circle,” 50 strangers found themselves trapped in a room, forced to decide who among them would survive through a series of votes and debates about the value of each human life.
Nearly a decade later, the film’s producers have reunited to bring fans “Circles.” According to the official logline, the sequel takes place 17 years after the original events. The survivors of the initial psychological warfare now face a new, ominous threat.
Michael Nardelli, who played the lone survivor Eric in the original film, is returning to produce the sequel alongside Brent Stiefel. Devon Graye is on board to write the screenplay, with production set to begin later this year.
The original “Circle” was inspired by the classic film “12 Angry Men,” and it quickly became a hit among fans of psychological thrillers. The film’s minimalist setting—a room with 50 red circles and a black orb—created an intense atmosphere that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The characters’ decisions, driven by fear and desperation, offered a chilling look at human nature under extreme pressure.
In “Circle,” the participants discovered that they could vote for who the black orb should kill next. The voting process was anonymous, leading to a tense and unpredictable dynamic. People could also volunteer to die by stepping out of their circle, adding another layer of complexity to the game. The film’s ending, which featured a surprising twist, left a lasting impression on viewers.
Michael Nardelli, who has an extensive acting and producing background, is excited to revisit the world of “Circle.” Nardelli made his acting debut opposite Zac Efron in the 2005 indie film “The Derby Stallion.” He also produced and starred in Sam Levinson’s 2011 feature directorial debut “Another Happy Day,” and appeared in the 2016 film “Cassidy Way.” His TV credits include “Revenge,” “Nashville,” “Hart of Dixie,” “American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson,” and “Dark/Web,” where he served as a writer, director, and star.
Brent Stiefel, the founder and CEO of the entertainment firm Votiv, has a diverse producing portfolio. His credits include “As You Are” (2016), “Free In Deed” (2015), and “Obvious Child” (2014). Stiefel’s experience in the industry will undoubtedly contribute to the success of “Circles.”
Devon Graye, the writer for the sequel, has a strong track record in the thriller genre. His breakout script, “Allison Adams,” made the 2016 Black List. He also wrote the Helen Hunt-led thriller “I See You” and contributed to Season 2 of Starz’s “The Girlfriend Experience.” Graye’s recent spec script “Switchboard” has attracted producers Matt Reeves and Steven Schneider.
The original “Circle” film posed thought-provoking questions about morality and human behavior. It challenged viewers to consider how they would act in a life-or-death situation. The sequel, “Circles,” promises to delve even deeper into these themes, exploring the long-term impact of the traumatic events on the survivors.
Fans of the original film are eagerly awaiting more details about the sequel. With a talented team of producers and a skilled writer on board, “Circles” has the potential to be just as compelling and unsettling as its predecessor.
As production gears up, horror aficionados can look forward to another intense and thought-provoking experience. The sequel will undoubtedly build on the foundation laid by the original film, offering new twists and challenges for the characters.
Stay tuned for more updates on “Circles” as the project progresses. The return to the world of “Circle” is sure to be a thrilling ride for both new and returning fans.
