Sequels often see returning cast members taking ownership of their characters’ journeys, building on established narratives. However, it’s less common for a newcomer to a franchise to actively advocate for the inclusion of elements from previous installments. That’s precisely what Kathryn Newton did while working on the upcoming horror-comedy Ready Or Not 2: Here I Approach, demonstrating a keen understanding of what resonates with fans of the original.
Newton joins the Ready Or Not universe as Faith MacCaullay, the estranged sister of Samara Weaving’s Grace. Despite being new to the series, the actress didn’t hesitate to voice her opinion when it came to a key piece of the first film’s iconography: Grace’s unforgettable wedding dress. Newton’s enthusiasm for the dress stemmed from a previous collaboration with directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett on the 2024 film Abigail, fostering a comfortable rapport and open creative dialogue.
In a recent interview with SFX Magazine, as reported by CinemaBlend, Weaving and Newton discussed the dress’s return. The conversation revealed Newton’s proactive role in ensuring the garment’s reappearance. “Hey, I fought for the dress, too,” Newton stated, recalling a moment when its inclusion was still uncertain. “I remember when they were like, ‘We don’t know [if it would be featured again],’ and I was like, ‘It’s gotta be in the movie!’”
Samara Weaving echoed the sentiment, noting the emotional impact of revisiting the iconic costume. “I don’t know if I can say how without spoiling it, but it definitely does – and it was fun. Putting the dress back on was surprisingly emotional. It was the same costume designer, Avery [Plewes].”
The dress’s continued presence in Ready Or Not 2 isn’t merely a nostalgic nod; it’s organically integrated into the plot. The film picks up immediately after the chaotic events of the first Ready Or Not, with Grace recovering from injuries sustained during her wedding night – including a gunshot wound to the hand and a stab wound to the shoulder. Her battle-worn bridal attire, strategically torn for mobility, proves far more practical than a hospital gown, setting the stage for another terrifying game of hide-and-seek.
The stakes are even higher in the sequel, as the elimination of the Le Domas family throws the world’s most powerful families into a deadly competition for global control. Grace, now joined by her sister Faith, must once again fight for survival in a high-stakes game with potentially world-altering consequences.
Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come boasts an ensemble cast including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Elijah Wood, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand, Olivia Cheng, and David Cronenberg. The film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 20.
Newton’s advocacy for the wedding dress highlights a refreshing dynamic in sequel filmmaking – a new cast member recognizing and respecting the legacy of the original while actively contributing to its continuation. This dedication to honoring the source material, combined with the promise of escalating stakes and a stellar cast, positions Ready Or Not 2 as a highly anticipated release for fans of the horror-comedy genre.
What are your thoughts on the return of the iconic wedding dress? Share your predictions for Ready Or Not 2 in the comments below!
