Michael Dougherty Unveils a "Knockout Script" for ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Sequel

THE BIG SCOOP

Renowned director Michael Dougherty lets the cat out of the bag: a follow-up to the cult classic Trick ‘r Treat is not just a rumor—it’s legitimately under construction with a “stellar script” already drafted. Reuniting the original crew for this sequel, Dougherty admits that there’s a winding road ahead before the film sees the light of day. Initially launched in 2009 with minimal hype, Trick ‘r Treat has nevertheless evolved into a staple of Halloween cinema.

For what feels like an eternity, aficionados of Dougherty’s Halloween opus have been holding their collective breath, yearning for the return of Sam, the tiny yet terrifying figure who’s become the film’s iconic mascot. Dougherty has been dangling the carrot of a sequel ever since his 2009 MTV chat, and even elaborated on the idea with FilmSweep a full ten years back. Despite being mired in developmental purgatory for ages, winds of change seem to be blowing. During BeyondFest 2022, Dougherty broke the silence, stating that the sequel is gaining traction and everyone involved is keen on resurrecting Sam for another cinematic haunt. At a recent Q&A following a special screening of Trick ‘r Treat, he doubled down on the project’s active status and gave a nod to an awesome script that’s locked and loaded.

“Look, we talked about it last year at BeyondFest, so let’s just lay it out—the sequel is under full steam ahead with Legendary,” Dougherty declared. “In fact, we’ve gone through multiple iterations of the script already.” As the project starts to take shape, Dougherty confirms the gang’s all here. “We’ve got storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins back on board, and a hefty stack of concept art courtesy of Breehn Burns. So, yeah, we’re making progress.” Although the project is gaining momentum, there’s still a laundry list of things to do before casting calls go out or cameras start rolling.

The director admits the path ahead is still a bit of a labyrinth but gives props to Legendary for their partnership. “I plan on hashing things out with Legendary soon. They’ve been terrific collaborators. Still, timing is everything, especially since we’re just coming out of a strike,” he noted. “Up next, we’re zeroing in on budget and scheduling, among other details.” What makes him most jazzed about Trick ‘r Treat 2 is the script, a team effort that includes his Krampus co-writers. “We’ve got an absolutely fabulous script for the sequel, which I co-wrote with my Krampus buddies Zach Shields and Todd Casey.”

‘Trick ‘r Treat’—The Quintessential Halloween Film

Image via Legendary

The sheer anticipation of a sequel is electrifying, but it’ll have some big shoes to fill. The original Trick ‘r Treat has transcended its modest origins to become an integral part of the Halloween lore, largely thanks to Sam, the bag-headed demon child who ensures that the traditions of Halloween are rigorously upheld. The movie weaves together disparate but interconnected tales from a small town on All Hallows’ Eve, where the night comes alive with very tangible horrors.

The ensemble cast of the original, set in the fictional Warren Valley, Ohio, boasted considerable talent. With Emmy-winner and Succession star Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Leslie Bibb, and Rochelle Aytes among the lineup, the expectation is that the sequel will aim to assemble a similarly star-studded crew, ensuring that Sam’s second outing is as legendary as his first.

For the latest updates on the Trick ‘r Treat sequel, keep your eyes glued to FilmSweep. Meanwhile, the original remains a streaming exclusive on Max.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Trick ‘r Treat sequel

Is Michael Dougherty officially confirming a sequel to Trick ‘r Treat?

Yes, director Michael Dougherty has officially announced that a sequel to the 2009 Halloween classic Trick ‘r Treat is in active development. He confirmed this during a Q&A session following a special screening of the original film.

Who is involved in the sequel’s production?

Michael Dougherty is at the helm again, working closely with Legendary Studios. He’s also reassembled much of the original team, including storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins and concept artist Breehn Burns.

Has the script for the sequel been completed?

According to Dougherty, multiple drafts of the script have been written. He’s especially enthusiastic about the latest version, which he co-wrote with his collaborators from Krampus—Zach Shields and Todd Casey.

What stage is the sequel in, and what’s left to be done?

The sequel is in active development but still has a way to go. Things like budgeting, scheduling, and casting have yet to be finalized. Dougherty did mention they have a stack of storyboards and concept art, signaling that the project is gaining momentum.

Is the character Sam coming back for the sequel?

Yes, Sam, the iconic bag-headed demon child who ensures that Halloween traditions are upheld, is slated to make a return in the sequel.

Where can I watch the original Trick ‘r Treat film?

The original Trick ‘r Treat movie is available for streaming exclusively on Max.

Will the original cast return for the sequel?

The FAQ didn’t specify if the original cast would return, but given the high-caliber ensemble in the first film, it’s likely that the team will seek similar talent for the sequel.

How can I stay updated on the sequel’s progress?

For the latest news and updates on the Trick ‘r Treat sequel, you can keep an eye on FilmSweep where future announcements are expected to be made.

More about Trick ‘r Treat sequel

Michael Dougherty Unveils a “Knockout Script” for ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Sequel