Lights Out sequel revived at New Line with new writer after a decade of silence

A sequel to Lights Out is moving forward once again, nearly a decade after it was first announced.

The horror follow-up, titled Lights Out 2, is now back in development at New Line, bringing renewed attention to a project that had remained largely silent since 2016. The original sequel plans were revealed shortly after the first film’s release, but no significant updates had emerged in the years since.

Now, the project has been revived, with Connor Osborne McIntyre confirmed to write the script. The development marks a fresh attempt to continue the story of the original film, which became a commercial success upon its release.

Production on the sequel will involve several key figures connected to the first film. Lawrence Grey, Eric Heisserer and David F. Sandberg are attached as producers. James Wan’s Atomic Monster is also involved in producing the project.

The original Lights Out film, released in 2016, served as David F. Sandberg’s feature directorial debut. It was based on his viral short film of the same name, which had gained attention online before being adapted into a full-length feature.

Eric Heisserer, who wrote the screenplay for the original film, was also involved in its development. The film starred Teresa Palmer, Maria Bello and Gabriel Bateman.

The story followed a family who were terrorised by a supernatural entity that appeared when the lights went out, creating a tense and unsettling premise that resonated with audiences.

The success of the film was significant. Produced on a budget of $5 million, it went on to gross $149 million at the box office, establishing it as a profitable entry in the horror genre.

Despite that success, the sequel did not move forward immediately. Over time, the project appeared to stall, with little information released about its progress.

David F. Sandberg had previously discussed an earlier version of the sequel. He explained that one concept would have taken place shortly after the events of the original film. However, he noted that the timeline would now likely need to change.

He pointed out that Gabriel Bateman’s character, Martin, is no longer a child, meaning any continuation of the story would likely be set years later. This reflects the time that has passed since the original film’s release.

The revival of Lights Out 2 suggests that the studio is now ready to revisit the story with a new approach. While details about the plot remain limited, the involvement of returning producers and a new writer indicates that development is actively underway.

The announcement also highlights the continued interest in expanding established horror properties. With the original film’s strong performance, the sequel has the potential to build on its predecessor’s success.

For now, the project is in the early stages, with script development underway. Further details about casting, direction and release timelines have not yet been confirmed.

The return of Lights Out 2 brings an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the sequel, marking a new chapter for a film that left a lasting impression when it first arrived.