Zach Cregger to Direct Sci-Fi Thriller 'The Flood' for New Line and Amblin

The 'Weapons' filmmaker is reuniting with Warner Bros. and Steven Spielberg's production company for the original project.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of shimmering, glittering film reel textures in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and spectacle of Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking.The visual splendor of big-budget sci-fi cinema takes center stage as filmmaker Zach Cregger expands his creative horizons.Las Vegas Today

Zach Cregger, the director of the acclaimed horror hit 'Weapons,' has signed on to write and direct the original sci-fi thriller 'The Flood' for New Line Cinema and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment. The project, which was previously set up at Netflix, is described as being in the science fiction mold, a departure from Cregger's previous modern-set horror films. 'The Flood' is scheduled for an August 11, 2028 release, with Cregger also co-writing a prequel to 'Weapons' that is set for September 8, 2028.

Why it matters

Cregger's success with 'Weapons' has made him a rising star in Hollywood, and his partnership with New Line and Amblin on 'The Flood' demonstrates his growing clout and the studios' confidence in his ability to deliver a compelling sci-fi thriller. The project also marks Cregger's continued collaboration with Warner Bros. and New Line, solidifying their relationship after the breakout performance of 'Weapons.'

The details

Cregger will write and direct 'The Flood,' an original sci-fi thriller that is being fast-tracked by New Line with an August 11, 2028 release date. The project reunites Cregger with his 'Weapons' producers Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment, and also brings in Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment as a producer. While details on the plot are being kept under wraps, the film is described as being in the science fiction genre, a departure from Cregger's previous modern-set horror films like 'Weapons.' In addition to 'The Flood,' Cregger is also co-writing a prequel to 'Weapons' that is set for a September 8, 2028 release, making 2028 a busy year for the filmmaker at New Line.

  • Cregger's horror hit 'Weapons' was released in 2025.
  • 'The Flood' is scheduled for an August 11, 2028 release.
  • The 'Weapons' prequel is set for a September 8, 2028 release.

The players

Zach Cregger

The director of the acclaimed horror hit 'Weapons,' who is now writing and directing the original sci-fi thriller 'The Flood' for New Line and Amblin Entertainment.

New Line Cinema

The Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group division that is producing 'The Flood' and has an ongoing partnership with Cregger after the success of 'Weapons.'

Amblin Entertainment

Steven Spielberg's production company that is co-producing 'The Flood' with New Line.

Roy Lee

The producer of 'Weapons' who is also producing 'The Flood' alongside Cregger.

Miri Yoon

The producer of 'Weapons' who is also producing 'The Flood' alongside Cregger.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Zach is the rarest of filmmakers, fluent in every genre he touches, and we're excited to continue our partnership”

— Richard Brener, President, New Line Cinema

“I'm incredibly excited to continue my partnership with Mike, Pam, Richard, and the teams at Warner Bros. and New Line. They are true champions of bold creativity, united by a shared ambition to deliver unforgettable theatrical experiences for audiences. That's the dream for any filmmaker.”

— Zach Cregger

“When I see a great horror film like Weapons, I don't have an itch I need to scratch. I see Weapons, and it doesn't make me want to make a horror film that's as scary or scarier than Weapons. It satisfies me so completely, it actually arrests my desire to someday make a really, really scary movie.”

— Steven Spielberg

What’s next

New Line and Amblin are expected to provide more details on the plot and casting for 'The Flood' in the coming months as the project moves into production.

The takeaway

Zach Cregger's transition from modern horror to big-budget science fiction with 'The Flood' demonstrates his versatility as a filmmaker and the confidence that major studios like New Line and Amblin have in his ability to deliver compelling, genre-bending stories for audiences.