Filming has officially wrapped on They Follow, the anticipated follow-up to David Robert Mitchell’s 2014 indie phenomenon It Follows. It has now entered post-production.
The original film starred Maika Monroe as Jay. She’s a young woman hunted by an unyielding supernatural entity passed through sexual contact. Renowned for its dread-filled atmosphere and subversion of genre tropes, the original grew into a defining horror classic of the 2010s.
Monroe returns to lead the sequel alongside an impressive new supporting cast, including Naomi Ackie, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael Gandolfini, and Justine Lupe.
Navigating a Twelve-Year Gap in the Entity’s Pursuit
The original feature ended on a subtly ambiguous note. It hinted that despite Jay’s desperate efforts to destroy the entity, it kept stalking her from a distance. The twelve-year gap between the original film and its sequel creates a compelling narrative hurdle for the production team.
Character Evolution and Maturing Genre Themes
The original film explored youth, coming-of-age anxieties, and sexuality. However, the passage of time allows the sequel to explore far darker, more mature territory. Presenting an older, battle-hardened Jay who has survived a decade alongside the curse allows the narrative to examine how long-term trauma and isolation alter a character’s psyche. The follow-up positions its lead as a more cynical and experienced survivor. It offers a fresh thematic angle on the franchise’s core mythology.
A Premier Scream Queen Returns to Her Breakout Lore
Expectations remain sky-high for the sequel, driven by the original’s enduring reputation and Monroe’s status as a top-tier modern genre lead after starring in Watcher and Longlegs. While plot details remain under wraps, the combination of strong original worldbuilding, a stellar ensemble cast, and Monroe’s return makes They Follow, first teased in 2015, an exciting continuation of the story.
Relive the terror for the original. It’s now available on Peacock, Prime Video, and YouTube TV.
