The highly anticipated Talk to Me 2 has received significant updates from the directing duo, Danny and Michael Philippou. In a recent interview, the brothers disclosed their working schedule and the complexities of developing the sequel. Their initial film, Talk to Me, was a striking success, with a captivating plot centered around teenagers using a severed hand to communicate with spirits, featuring a talented cast that includes Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes, and Jacek Koman. Released in 2023, this A24 horror film garnered both critical acclaim and impressive box office returns, laying a solid foundation for a sequel.
Two years after the sequel’s announcement, there is now clarity on its progress. In an interview with IndieWire, Danny Philippou revealed that he and co-writer Bill Hinzman have developed two distinct scripts, each presenting a different character arc and storyline. However, they find themselves at an impasse regarding which direction to pursue first. Given their involvement in multiple other projects, it appears that the decision on the sequel may not be imminent. Below are Philippou’s candid remarks:
A part of it is, I can’t decide which is the best avenue to take… So I’d say 2025 Bring Her Back, 2026 the documentary, 2027 [the new] horror, and then Talk to Me 2. So when we’re like 50, we’ll do Talk to Me 2.
Implications of Danny Philippou’s Comments on Talk to Me 2
Development Delays Due to Other Ventures
Following the August 2023 release of Talk to Me, the Philippou brothers confirmed their intention to create a sequel, indicating that several scenes had already been written. Shortly after, A24 officially announced the sequel, titled Talk 2 Me, and introduced its logo. Fast forward two years, and the brothers are faced with a decision between two scripts, each exploring a unique character journey.
In addition to the evolving narrative of Talk to Me 2, the Philippous are engaged with other projects that are postponing the sequel’s timeline. They are currently completing post-production on their upcoming horror film, Bring Her Back, followed by a documentary on death match wrestling set to be filmed in Mexico. Post-production for this project will take up most of 2025, leaving little room to develop Talk to Me 2 until the completion of another horror collaboration with Hinzman.
Our Perspective on the Development of Talk to Me 2
A Prolonged Wait Ahead
The enthusiastic reception of Talk to Me, which became A24’s highest-grossing horror film at an impressive $91.9 million, indicates strong audience support for a sequel. While the Philippou brothers are eager to expand on their universe, they also recognize the value of exploring diverse projects before diving back into a sequel. Consequently, fans may have to patiently wait several years for Talk to Me 2, but the demand for compelling horror narratives is unlikely to wane during this time.
Source: IndieWire