Lights Out Sequel In The Works

Key Takeaways

• Warner Bros. greenlights Lights Out sequel development.
• Connor Osborn McIntyre hired to script sequel.
• Original producers Lawrence Grey, Eric Heisserer, David Sandberg return.
• James Wan’s Atomic Monster remains involved.
• Sequel details remain undisclosed, generating fan anticipation.

Summary

New Line Cinema and Atomic Monster have officially launched development on a sequel to the 2016 horror hit Lights Out. Warner Bros. tapped rising screenwriter Connor Osborn McIntyre, known for the thriller Animals, to pen the script. Original producer Lawrence Grey returns alongside veteran filmmakers Eric Heisserer and David F. Sandberg, while James Wan’s Atomic Monster stays on board. Plot details remain under wraps, but the assembled talent signals a serious push to revive the franchise.

Pulse Analysis

The original Lights Out proved that low‑budget horror can achieve blockbuster status, grossing over $140 million worldwide and cementing David F. Sandberg as a genre‑savvy director. Its success demonstrated audience hunger for concise, jump‑scare driven narratives that exploit everyday spaces, a formula that continues to influence studios seeking high‑return, low‑risk projects. By revisiting the franchise, Warner Bros. aims to capture both nostalgic fans and new viewers drawn to the current wave of supernatural thrillers.

Connor Osborn McIntyre’s involvement marks a strategic shift toward fresh storytelling voices. Known for the critically praised Animals and a Black List‑featured script, McIntyre brings a blend of character‑driven tension and genre‑bending sensibility that could elevate the sequel beyond typical franchise fare. Coupled with the returning oversight of Eric Heisserer, whose work on Arrival showcased narrative depth, the writing team is positioned to deepen the mythos while preserving the original’s visceral shock value.

From a business perspective, the sequel arrives at a time when horror franchises like The Conjuring and Insidious dominate streaming and theatrical windows. With James Wan’s Atomic Monster still attached, the project benefits from proven distribution pipelines and cross‑platform marketing expertise. If the film replicates its predecessor’s financial trajectory, it could reinforce Warner Bros.’ strategy of leveraging legacy IPs to sustain revenue streams amid a fragmented media landscape, while also offering fresh content for horror‑enthusiast audiences.