‘Mama’ Sequel in the Works With ‘Starry Eyes’ Team, Jessica Chastain Probably Not Returning

Andres Muschietti’s Mama was a surprise horror hit when it arrived back in 2013. Produced by Guillermo del Toro, the modestly-budgeted ghost story hit theaters in January, a notorious wasteland where studios tend to dump their iffier prospects. But the film earned some great word-of-mouth and went on to make $146 million worldwide, making news of a sequel not all that surprising. Muschietti won’t be back to direct, but Universal has found a very talented pair of filmmakers to take his place.

The Wrap reports that Universal has tapped Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch to helm the Mama sequel, though Jessica Chastain is not expected to reprise her role as Goth Mom. It’s unclear if the film will serve as a direct sequel or offer a new story about a different family, but with Chastain sitting this one out, it’s safe to assume they’re going for a whole new story.

Widmyer and Kolsch are the filmmaking duo behind the 2014 indie horror hit Starry Eyes, a visceral and stylish exploration of fame in Hollywood and all its devilish trappings. Starry Eyes was a hit on the festival circuit and established the pair as assertive and interesting new voices in the genre.

As for Mama 2, it’s also unclear if Muschietti and / or del Toro will remain on to produce. The original film centered on two young sisters who are orphaned in their isolated cabin when their mother passes away. After being taken in by their aunt and uncle (Chastain and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), the family is soon terrorized by the ghastly presence of the dead “mama.”

Up next, Widmyer and Kolsch are attached to helm Exorcism Diaries, and they’ve also directed a segment in the horror anthology film Holidays for Blumhouse Productions, the team behind Insidious and Paranormal Activity.