Ready or Not 2: A Gripping Sequel That Honors Its Cult Classic Roots
Sophia Edwards
Published May 16, 2026
By Published Apr 10, 2026, 9:45 PM EDT They are a freelance author for ScreenRant. They are passionate about introducing readers to lesser-known media, especially with a focus on representation. They're always scavenging for offbeat content that tells stories mainstream media won't, or that have been forgotten over time. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
The for a trend that is usually overwhelmingly negative in reception and quality. The film industry's output today is largely dominated by franchises, and it's rare to find a sequel, prequel, spin-off, remake, reboot, or legacy sequel that isn't an uncreative exercise in capitalizing on the audience's interest.
However, 2026 brought us a surprising number of memorable franchise films, from the reboot of The Naked Gun to the for future threequels. However, some of the most anticipated sequels, from Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning to Jurassic World Rebirth, disappointed fans, as did the reboot of The Karate Kid.
, and the franchise films also proved this with two major dormant franchises, Final Destination and 28 Days Later, being revived successfully. I Know What You Did Last Summer's reboot was a letdown, but alongside 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple, another 2026 movie has given me hope for better sequels.
Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come Is Even More Gory Than Part 1
One of the most original films made in the past 10 years, 2019's Ready or Not is equal parts , and after a 7-year wait, the same director duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have returned with , which is nearly as good as the first movie.
What makes the first film great is its commentary on capitalism and the mentality of the uber-wealthy social class, which is depicted as a Satanic cult. It is also elevated by some memorably gory deaths, which are as funny as they are bloody. Picking up where Ready or Not ended, Here I Come takes no time to start another bloodbath.
To anyone familiar with the lore of Ready or Not, bodily explosions are expected and occur multiple times, leaving the makeup team to continue the trend of covering Samara Weaving, who plays Grace, in blood, alongside her co-star Kathryn Newton, who plays Grace's sister, Faith. The genius of Here I Come's approach lies in giving fans exactly what they want.
The Movie Doesn’t Complicate The Established Lore
It is almost laughable how little world development occurs in Here I Come, but that isn't a disservice to the fans or to the narrative, as it allows the film to focus on the same elements that have already made Ready or Not a cult classic. Every either completely transforms the franchise or indulges its fandom.
Instead of adding new rules to the game, Here I Come uses the simplest excuse imaginable to recreate the conditions of the hide-and-seek game from Ready or Not and asks fans to stay glued to their seats in anticipation of the next bloody kill or memorable punchline. There's an abundance of both, so the audience doesn't have to wait long.
Ready Or Not 2 Creates A Compelling Emotional Hook
What truly makes Ready or Not 2: Here I Come a surprising sequel is the relationship between Grace and Faith. The simplicity of the film's structure and premise allows it to delve deeper into the conflict between the two sisters, giving viewers another reason to root for the characters. Their survival becomes linked to the revival of their sisterly bond.
Most praise Weaving and Newton's performances, especially because the moments of argument between them provide the source of emotional investment. You are already familiar with the movie's premise, and you know, given its genre, that both Grace and Faith will survive, so what you are really rooting for is their relationship.
The Movie Maintains The Humorous Tone Of Part 1
Ready or Not stands out as a memorable experience, besides being a great movie about classism, because of the way it incorporates humor into the twisted and testing game of hide-and-seek that involves Grace's in-laws trying to kill her on the grounds of their ancestral home. Even gory deaths are played for gags, and Here I Come ups the ante.
The bodily explosions in Here I Come display the impeccable comic timing of the film's screenwriting duo, Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy. Many horror sequels betray a confidence in the original material, but the directors and writers of Here I Come have remade the first movie with an emotional hook and even bigger stakes, which is what fans needed.
Ready Or Not 2 Continues The First Movie's Social Commentary
The metaphor of satanism may feel repeated far too many times when you see Here I Come, but the film isn't beating viewers over the head with a message. It is simply indulging in its demonization of the upper class, and that doesn't stand out like a flaw in a film that is indulgent in its humor and its gore.
Subscribe to the newsletter for sequel and horror insight
Hungry for sharper analysis of sequels, horror revivals, and franchise trends? Subscribe to the newsletter to get in-depth coverage, thoughtful takes, and context that help you understand what makes a sequel succeed — and why others fall short. Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our and . You can unsubscribe anytime.
I was opposed to a sequel to Ready or Not because the first film is a complete story, but the directors have proven they can repeat the magic. Now, if the disappointing box office prevents them from making another sequel, I'm still glad we have , Abigail, and Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
Cast
-
Shawn Hatosy Titus Danforth -
Kathryn Newton Faith MacCaulley
Where to watch Close
WHERE TO WATCH
RENTWriters Guy Busick, R. Christopher Murphy Producers James Vanderbilt, William Sherak, Bradley J. Fischer, Tripp Vinson Expand Collapse
Follow Followed Like Share Close Trending Now
