Ari Aster Reveals Completed Prequel Script for 'Hereditary,' Awaiting Production
Director Ari Aster has revealed he possesses a completed prequel script for his critically acclaimed horror film, 'Hereditary,' although he currently has no immediate intentions of developing it into a movie. This revelation came during a Q&A session following a screening of 'Hereditary' at the Egyptian Theatre. Aster, known for his distinct style within the horror genre, shared that while the narrative groundwork is laid, the timing for its production doesn't feel right. His directorial journey since 'Hereditary' has included other notable works like 'Midsommar' and 'Beau Is Afraid,' establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.
During a recent event at the Egyptian Theatre, the acclaimed director Ari Aster captivated audiences by disclosing that he had previously penned a prequel to his breakout horror feature, 'Hereditary.' This news sparked considerable interest among fans, eager for more insights into the unsettling world Aster created. However, Aster tempered expectations by stating that, despite the script's completion, he feels no urgency to produce it. He elaborated that the nature of it being a prequel, rather than a continuation, complicates its placement within his current creative trajectory. 'Hereditary,' released in 2018, marked Aster's directorial debut and quickly garnered widespread praise, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the horror landscape.
The film 'Hereditary' introduced audiences to the Graham family, whose lives descend into chaos and terror following the passing of their secretive matriarch. Featuring powerful performances from Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Gabriel Byrne, the movie explored themes of grief, trauma, and a sinister supernatural lineage, setting a new benchmark for psychological horror. Since this initial success, Aster has continued to collaborate with A24, the production company behind 'Hereditary,' on subsequent projects such as the folk horror epic 'Midsommar' and the surreal dark comedy 'Beau Is Afraid,' as well as the upcoming film 'Eddington.'
Aster also touched upon the controversial label of 'elevated horror' often applied to his films and those of contemporaries like Jordan Peele and Robert Eggers. He expressed his disdain for the term, noting how it confines his work and has occasionally alienated some horror enthusiasts. He recounted a particularly challenging period during 'Hereditary's' financing, revealing that an unnamed financier subjected him to immense hardship. This individual, whom Aster declined to name due to lingering apprehension, wielded significant control over the project, nearly jeopardizing its completion. This experience was described by Aster as one of the most trying times of his life, as he fought to safeguard his artistic vision against overwhelming external pressures.
Ari Aster has confirmed the existence of a fully written prequel for his inaugural horror masterpiece, 'Hereditary,' though he maintains that the moment has not yet arrived for its cinematic realization. His reflections on the challenges faced during the original film's production, particularly concerning its contentious financing, underscore the arduous path many creative endeavors take. While 'Hereditary' launched him into prominence, Aster continues to navigate the complexities of filmmaking, producing acclaimed works and challenging conventional genre categorizations.
