Ari Aster Unveils Unlikely Future for 'Hereditary' Prequel

Filmmaker Ari Aster revealed he has written a 'Hereditary' prequel but plans to shelve it. While discussing the project's challenges, Aster shared insights into his directorial journey, highlighted the financial hurdles faced during 'Hereditary's production, and commented on the 'elevated horror' genre label.

Filmmaker Ari Aster revealed that a script for a prequel to 'Hereditary' has already been penned, but he has no intention of bringing it to the screen just yet, according to a report by Variety. Speaking during a screening at the Egyptian Theatre, Aster expressed uncertainty about the project's trajectory, stating, "I wrote a prequel to this (Hereditary). It never feels like the right time. It's a prequel, not a sequel, so I don't know where this goes."

'Hereditary,' marking Aster's directorial debut, starred Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Gabriel Byrne. The film follows the unraveling lives of the Graham family after the death of their reclusive matriarch. Post-'Hereditary,' Aster directed notable films such as 'Midsommar,' 'Beau Is Afraid,' and 'Eddington.'

Variety reports that critics often describe Aster's films as "elevated horror," a label the director resists. "I hate the term elevated horror, especially because it's sort of a box that I was put in and horror fans took umbrage," he said. Aster also recounted the financial challenges faced during 'Hereditary,' revealing that Danny DeVito attempted to fund the film but was unable to secure the necessary resources. The eventual financier subjected Aster to what he describes as "one of the darkest times of my life," as he struggled to maintain creative control over the project.

Aster's latest film, 'Eddington,' is an American satirical neo-Western thriller starring notable actors such as Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone. Set against the backdrop of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd protests, it depicts the political and social turmoil in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, centered on a controversial mayoral election.