Ready or Not 2 sequel fails to capture magic of original

Samara Weaving returns as Grace, but the horror comedy lacks the inspiration and fun of the 2019 hit.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:55am by Ben Kaplan

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The 2019 horror comedy 'Ready or Not' was a surprise hit, with Samara Weaving delivering a standout performance as Grace, a newlywed forced to play a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her rich, devil-worshipping in-laws. Seven years later, the sequel 'Ready or Not 2: Here I Come' brings back Weaving and the creative team, but fails to recapture the magic of the original.

Why it matters

The first 'Ready or Not' film was praised for its fresh premise, dark humor, and Weaving's layered performance as the resourceful Grace. Fans had high hopes for the sequel, but the new film struggles to live up to the standard set by the original.

The details

In 'Ready or Not 2', Grace escapes the events of the first film only to be forced into another deadly game, this time hunted by representatives of other powerful, devil-worshipping families. The sequel follows a similar template to the original, but lacks the inspired execution, with the action pausing for 'pat sister-bonding chats' instead of Grace's clever problem-solving. The film also resorts to the 'screaming female' trope, stripping Grace of the toughness and intelligence that made her such a compelling protagonist in the first movie.

  • The original 'Ready or Not' was released in 2019.
  • 'Ready or Not 2: Here I Come' is set to be released on March 20, 2026.

The players

Samara Weaving

The lead actress who reprises her role as Grace in the 'Ready or Not' sequel.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

One of the directors of 'Ready or Not 2', who also co-directed the new 'Scream' films.

Tyler Gillett

The other director of 'Ready or Not 2', who also co-directed the new 'Scream' films.

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What they’re saying

“If that seems like a thin setup, it is. It's the kind of sequel in which the protagonist says something like, 'How can this be happening again?'”

— Michael Ordoña, Critic

“The sequel's worst sin is resorting to the 'screaming female' trope. Grace was so much tougher in the first one, and so much more fun.”

— Michael Ordoña, Critic

The takeaway

While the 'Ready or Not' sequel brings back the original's creative team and star, it fails to capture the inspiration and fun of the first film. The sequel's predictable plot and retreat from the strong, resourceful characterization of Grace leaves fans disappointed and longing for the fresh, original horror comedy of the 2019 hit.