Overview

• The sequel begins its wide rollout this week, with the U.S. opening on October 17 via Universal Pictures/UIP after a September 20 premiere at Fantastic Fest.
• Director Scott Derrickson returns with co-writer C. Robert Cargill, reuniting Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw and Ethan Hawke, with Demián Bichir joining the ensemble.
• The narrative pivots toward Gwen as mysterious calls and visions pull the siblings to a winter camp setting, broadening the series’ supernatural scope without revisiting the prior story’s structure.
• Critics note stylish atmosphere and vintage 1980s influences alongside a heavier use of jump scares, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic to mixed over the film’s unevenness.
• Stephen King publicly endorsed the movie, and promotion included a Mexico City appearance by Bichir as the film launched across mid‑October markets.