Zach Cregger Steps Away From Writing ‘Weapons’ Prequel ‘Gladys’

Zach Cregger is no longer writing Gladys, the planned prequel to Weapons. According to Dread Central, Cregger clarified that Zach Shields is writing the screenplay after the two filmmakers developed the story together. “Oh, actually, Zach Shields is writing [Gladys],” Cregger told Deadline, according to the report. “I was developing the story with him, but he’s writing it.” The change follows the previously reported news that Cregger would not direct the project. Dread Central had reported in April that Cregger and Shields were co-writing the screenplay, but Cregger’s latest clarification indicates that Shields is now the sole writer identified for the film. Cregger remains involved as a producer, joining Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee and Miri Yoon. The director has therefore stepped back from both the writing and directing duties while retaining a producing role and credit for helping develop the story with Shields. Gladys will serve as a prequel centered on Aunt Gladys, the character played by Amy Madigan in Weapons. Madigan is set to return for the film, which will explore more of the character’s story. The project follows Weapons’ worldwide box-office run of more than $270 million for Warner Bros. and New Line, as reported by Dread Central. Madigan also received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Aunt Gladys, according to the outlet. Warner Bros. has scheduled Gladys for a theatrical release on September 8, 2028. The report does not identify a replacement director or provide additional details about the film’s production timeline.