Paramount Pictures Acquires Rights To New ‘Longlegs’ Feature With Nicholas Cage Returning To Star

Why It Matters

The deal signals Paramount’s aggressive push into high‑concept horror franchises, leveraging Cage’s draw to capture box‑office and streaming audiences. It also underscores the growing value of proven genre IPs in a competitive content market.

Key Takeaways

• Paramount secures sequel rights to horror hit “Longlegs.”
• Nicholas Cage will star and co‑produce the follow‑up.
• Osgood Perkins returns to write, direct and produce the sequel.
• Original “Longlegs” opened with $22.6 M, grossed $128 M worldwide.
• Production involves Range Media, Phobos, and C2’s Dave Caplan.

Pulse Analysis

Paramount Pictures’ acquisition of the Longlegs sequel rights reflects a broader industry trend of securing established genre properties to mitigate risk. By anchoring the project with Nicholas Cage—whose name alone can drive theatrical attendance and streaming viewership—Paramount aims to replicate the original’s breakout performance while expanding its horror slate. The partnership also gives the studio leverage in negotiations with distributors and platforms, positioning the film for a multi‑window release strategy that maximizes revenue across cinema, premium VOD, and subscription services.

The first Longlegs film set a new benchmark for Neon, delivering a $22.6 million opening and a total $128 million global gross. Those figures illustrate the lucrative potential of mid‑budget horror, a segment that consistently outperforms larger‑scale productions on a per‑dollar basis. Audiences continue to gravitate toward fresh, atmospheric scares, and the franchise’s blend of psychological tension and supernatural elements resonates with both domestic and international markets. Paramount’s involvement promises a larger marketing push, which could elevate the sequel’s box‑office ceiling well beyond the original’s numbers.

Behind the scenes, the sequel’s production slate includes veteran entities such as Range Media Partners, Phobos and C2’s Dave Caplan, all of whom bring deep genre expertise and financing clout. Perkins’ first‑look deal with Neon ensures a streamlined path to distribution, while Cage’s representation by WME and GGSSC adds negotiating muscle for ancillary deals. As studios scramble for content that can deliver both theatrical hits and streaming staples, the Longlegs sequel stands as a test case for how legacy talent, proven IP, and strategic partnerships can drive sustained profitability in today’s fragmented media landscape.