Warning: The following article includes SPOILERS for WeaponsWeaponsstar Amy Madigan reveals whether she will come back for a potential prequel. The horror movie, directed by Zach Cregger, explores the alarming disappearance of seventeen children from a Maybrook Elementary School classroom. Since premiering,the film has become a massive commercial hit, and many have praised Madigan’s portrayal of Gladys.
Revealed to be behind every haunting occurrence in Maybrook, including the vanishing students,Gladys is the main antagonist ofWeapons.Though she may charm characters and audiences, largely by her physical appearance and personality,Gladys is a terrifying presencewho uses magic to seemingly control people and deplete their energy.
During an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Madigan explained that she is aware of how moviegoers are receiving Gladys and has appreciated her performance being recognized, noting that “it’s given me a good giggle.” Read some of her comments below:
The people I work with will send me some links and things like that. It’s really nice because I felt my work is really good in this piece. I’ve been doing it a long time, so to get something that’s this gratifying and people like it…it’s fun. It’s given me a good giggle, but as you’re going up, you could come down just as quickly. So you have to take it with a grain of salt.
Madigan also revealed that she enjoyed collaborating with Cregger, but when it comes to possibly reprising her character in aWeaponsprequel,she explained that those decisions may be made without her.However, Madigan shared that “I love Gladys,” and added that she anticipates fans donning her signature style. Read more of her comments:
It’s not that I discount it, but in this business, nothing’s real till it’s real. I just had such a great time working with Zach and being inside that brain of his. That’s really the gift of how the movie came out. The other stuff has to do with all sorts of conversations that I would never be privy in and business things like that. But, you know, I love Gladys, so I’ll leave it at that.
People better get those red wigs now. I know people want those glasses. Iknowthey do.
What This Means For Weapons
Once the film premiered, ideas began forming about Gladys and her ability to manipulate people, and considering how successfulWeaponsis becoming, a prequel could draw fans back to theaters. Speculation about apotentialWeaponsprequelfocused on Gladys is swirling and, becauseher chapter in the movie was removed, audiences are wondering what exactly her backstory is.
As the mystery ofWeaponsuntangles, it is revealed that Gladys was affected by an unknown illness, and that she planned on absorbing energy from Alex’s parents. However, when that failed, she resorted to using the children, and did not care about harming those in her way, including Justine.
The story of Gladys launches several questions that a prequel could answer, notably about how long she was a witch and what the source of her tree and bell are. However, exploring her in her younger yearscould mean that Madigan wouldn’t portray her again.
Our Take On Gladys & A Potential Weapons Prequel
Madigan successfully madeGladys a memorable character inWeapons, so much so thather involvement in any other project seems essential.Even if a prequel were to track the earlier years and conduct of Gladys, there could be ways to incorporate Madigan into the story.
Whether diving into Gladys’ past would make for an entertaining story or a less horrifying character remains to be seen. But, if anotherWeaponsmovie centered on her gets made, it is hard to imagine anyone but Madigan in the role.
