Samara Weaving Overcomes Injury to Film 'Ready or Not 2'

The actress details a 'horrendous' back injury that nearly derailed production on the sequel.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:38pm

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Actress Samara Weaving, 34, revealed she suffered a serious back injury involving a 'dead disc' and 'three bulging discs' just before filming the sequel to the 2019 thriller 'Ready or Not.' Weaving said she 'couldn't walk' for a period of time, but miraculously recovered just days before shooting began, with the help of her husband Jimmy Warden. Weaving's co-star Kathryn Newton, 29, said the producers were 'really nervous' Weaving wouldn't be able to do the physical demands of the role. Despite the setback, Weaving and Newton are hoping to continue the franchise with a potential third installment, even pitching a rom-com idea set in Hawaii.

Why it matters

Weaving's injury highlights the physical challenges actors can face when filming action-heavy roles, and the determination required to overcome such setbacks. The 'Ready or Not' franchise has developed a loyal following, so news of a potential third film will be exciting for fans of the horror-comedy series.

The details

Weaving detailed the severity of her injury, saying she 'couldn't move' and needed her husband's help with basic tasks like showering. Despite being 'high on pain meds,' Weaving was able to recover in time for filming, impressing the producers who were 'really nervous' about her condition. The sequel introduces new cast members like Sarah Michelle Gellar, 48, who Weaving and Newton bonded with on set, including Gellar's penchant for 'impromptu tats at the gym.'

  • Weaving suffered the back injury just before filming 'Ready or Not 2'.
  • 'Ready or Not 2' is set to hit theaters on March 20.

The players

Samara Weaving

A 34-year-old Australian actress known for her roles in films like 'The Babysitter' and the original 'Ready or Not.'

Kathryn Newton

A 29-year-old actress co-starring in 'Ready or Not 2' alongside Weaving.

Jimmy Warden

Weaving's husband, who helped care for her during her recovery from the back injury.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

A 48-year-old actress who joined the cast of 'Ready or Not 2' and bonded with Weaving and Newton on set.

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What they’re saying

“I was really terribly injured before filming this and I couldn't walk. Basically, I have a dead disc in my back and I had three bulging discs. It was horrendous. I couldn't move, and then miraculously, I came to life. I came to life and I could walk and run like two days before shooting. It was truly insane.”

— Samara Weaving, Actress

“You should have seen the producers every day. Everyone was really nervous that I wouldn't be able to do it.”

— Kathryn Newton, Actress

“He was there and helped me, and I was so high on pain meds and he was helping me, just feeding me. He'd have to help me to the bathroom, like put me in the shower. It was it was rough.”

— Samara Weaving, Actress

“She gets tattoos at the gym. Sam's like 'I like that,' and she's like, 'Thanks. I got it at the gym the other day!'”

— Samara Weaving, Actress

“When does she even go to the gym? You can do it all and have poutine at three a.m. and get in a fight scene.”

— Kathryn Newton, Actress

What’s next

If the 'Ready or Not' franchise continues with a third installment, Weaving and Newton have pitched the idea of a romantic comedy set in Hawaii, with the two actresses potentially romancing 'handsome boys' and playing golf.

The takeaway

Samara Weaving's determination to overcome a serious back injury and complete filming on 'Ready or Not 2' showcases the physical and mental resilience required of actors in demanding action roles. The continued success of the 'Ready or Not' franchise highlights audience appetite for horror-comedy hybrids, and the potential for the series to evolve in new creative directions.