In October 2023, NEON announced the development of They Follow, a sequel to the 2014 horror hit It Follows, directed by David Robert Mitchell and starring Maika Monroe. The original film, which became a cult classic, featured Monroe as Jay, a young woman cursed after a sexual encounter. Her friends initially doubted her claims until they began experiencing inexplicable events themselves, leading them to band together to confront or escape the curse.
Details about They Follow remain scarce, but Monroe recently shared her excitement about the project. Initially skeptical, she found the script compelling and described it as “bigger, darker, and more f-cked up” than the original. She emphasized the challenging nature of the role and expressed confidence in Mitchell’s vision, noting his meticulous approach to filmmaking. “David is brilliant,” Monroe told Collider. “He wouldn’t make a sequel unless he believed it could surpass the original.”
Monroe’s portrayal of Jay in It Follows earned her significant acclaim, including an Empire Award nomination, and solidified her status as a modern scream queen. Since then, she has built an impressive horror resume with roles in films like Watcher, Significant Other, and Villains. She is also set to appear in NEON’s Longlegs, directed by Oz Perkins, alongside Nicholas Cage, Kiernan Shipka, Alicia Witt, and Blair Underwood.
Although filming for They Follow has not yet begun, Monroe assured fans that the sequel would offer a fresh and intense experience. When asked about returning cast members, she hinted that audiences would soon find out, promising that the new chapter in Mitchell’s franchise would deliver something entirely new. “It’s so good,” she said. “I think where you’ll meet Jay at this point is maybe not what’s expected, but it’s so cool.”
Monroe’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable. “I am so excited for this role,” she said. “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.”
As fans eagerly await more information about the plot, casting, and release date for They Follow, they can revisit the original It Follows, currently available on Netflix. Monroe’s upcoming film Longlegs is set to hit theaters on July 12, offering another opportunity to see the actress in action.
The anticipation for They Follow is building, with Monroe’s teases suggesting a sequel that will push the boundaries of horror even further. With Mitchell at the helm and Monroe reprising her role, the film promises to be a thrilling continuation of the story that captivated audiences nearly a decade ago.
