Ari Aster Teases Prequel to 'Hereditary': What's Next for the Horror Maestro?

Ari Aster's Prequel Plans for 'Hereditary'

Filmmaker Ari Aster has disclosed that he has finished writing a prequel to his highly praised horror film 'Hereditary', but he is still contemplating the right moment to bring it to fruition. During a recent Q&A session after a screening of 'Hereditary' at the Egyptian Theatre, Aster shared his hesitations about the timing for the prequel, stating, "I wrote a prequel to this. It never feels like the right time. It's a prequel, not a sequel, so I don't know where this goes," as noted by a media outlet.

'Hereditary', which marked Aster's debut as a feature director, has solidified his status in the horror film landscape. The movie showcases a remarkable cast, including Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Gabriel Byrne, and narrates the chilling tale of the Graham family, whose lives descend into turmoil following the passing of their enigmatic grandmother. Following the success of 'Hereditary', Aster has also directed other significant films like 'Midsommar', 'Beau Is Afraid', and 'Eddington', all produced by A24.

Despite the accolades surrounding his work, Aster has voiced his discontent with the label "elevated horror," which is frequently used to classify his films alongside those of peers like Jordan Peele and Robert Eggers. He expressed, "I hate the term elevated horror, especially because it's sort of a box that I was put in and horror fans took umbrage." Aster's wish to escape this categorization underscores his dedication to exploring the genre on his own terms.

Aster also reflected on the hurdles he encountered while bringing 'Hereditary' to life. He revealed that actor Danny DeVito had once tried to fund the film, but ultimately, Aster opted for a different financier who guided him through a challenging period. "It was just in the hands of a financier that was, how do we say it? Worse. I'm afraid to say the name because he might show up in my life. Really a nightmare who I had signed my life away," Aster recounted, describing that time as one of the darkest phases of his career.

As Aster continues to navigate the intricate world of filmmaking, the fate of his prequel remains ambiguous. Fans of 'Hereditary' and Aster's distinctive storytelling will surely be keen to see how he ultimately decides to tackle this new chapter in the saga. For the moment, Aster seems to be concentrating on his ongoing projects and the continuous evolution of his creative vision.