The eagerly awaited sequel to It Follows is once again gaining momentum with significant updates on its cast and production schedule.
The original film, released in 2015, became a standout hit for its unique horror elements, receiving critical and commercial acclaim. The sequel, named They Follow, was only announced in 2023 despite the original’s success. The creative team, including writer-director David Robert Mitchell and actress Maika Monroe, are set to return. Initially planned for early 2025, the production faced delays due to scheduling issues.
After much anticipation, They Follow is making headway, with Naomi Ackie in advanced talks to join Maika Monroe. Ackie’s exact role remains undisclosed, and the sequel’s storyline picks up a decade after the events of the first film. The team aims to begin production in the summer.
Directed and penned by David Robert Mitchell, It Follows features Maika Monroe as a college student haunted by a relentless supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. This force assumes various human appearances and stalks her and her friends across Detroit. The only way for her to rid herself of the curse is to pass it to another through sexual intercourse.
The film also stars Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, Bailey Spry, Debbie Williams, and Ruby Harris in supporting roles, with Ingrid Mortimer, Alexyss Spradlin, Mike Lanier, Don Hails, Leisa Pulido, and Ele Bardha appearing as manifestations of the entity.
Debuting at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, It Follows was met with overwhelming praise, earning a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics lauded the film for its intelligence, novelty, and deeply disturbing content, marking it as a standout modern horror film that engages audiences on several levels and leaves a lingering effect. It holds a 66% audience score.
On the financial front, It Follows achieved a global box office haul of $23.3 million against a modest budget of $1.3 million. The film is frequently cited as one of the top horror movies of the 2010s, propelling Maika Monroe to fame and establishing David Robert Mitchell as a notable figure in the film industry. His next film, The End of Oak Street, hit theaters on August 14.
Naomi Ackie, whose career is on a rapid rise, has recently featured in notable projects including A24’s Sorry, Baby, directed by Eva Victor, and Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17. She has also appeared in Chris Columbus’ The Thursday Murder Club, the critically acclaimed directorial debut from Zoë Kravitz, Blink Twice, and currently stars in Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters. She will next be seen in the DC body horror film Clayface, set for release on October 23.
It Follows is available for free streaming on The Roku Channel.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
