Following a breakout hit can feel like a double-edged sword for filmmakers. On one hand, there’s the thrill of recognition and acclaim; on the other, there’s the daunting pressure to replicate that success. While some directors stumble under this weight, others thrive. Legendary figures such as George Lucas and Steven Spielberg showcased their prowess with films like American Graffiti and Jaws, respectively. Fast forward to today, and directors like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson have proven their mettle with successive hits. It’s often the subsequent movie that truly defines a filmmaker’s legacy.
Enter Zach Cregger, who burst onto the scene with his groundbreaking 2022 film, Barbarian. Garnering attention for its original and shocking take on horror, Cregger has successfully raised the bar with his upcoming project, Weapons. Set in a small town reeling from a mysterious disappearance of children, this film is already generating rave reviews ahead of its release next week. It’s a significant leap forward in Cregger’s career, placing him in the ranks of iconic filmmakers.
In a recent conversation with io9, Cregger opened up about the challenges of following up Barbarian and the creative process behind Weapons, as well as offering some insight into his future project—a new adaptation of Resident Evil. Dive in below to explore our discussion.
Germain Lussier: After Barbarian, did you feel pressure to deliver something equally horrific and surprising? Were you concerned that audiences would expect a similar experience from you?
Zach Cregger: Honestly, I didn’t focus on that. My priority was to craft a narrative that resonates organically. If I get bogged down with how the audience might react, it stifles my creativity. My approach was motivated by passion and enjoyment rather than external expectations.
io9: The press notes indicate that you wrote this script following a personal loss. Given its complexity, how did you decide on the structure and the timing of key reveals?
Cregger: I began with a raw, emotional draft—a stream of consciousness, if you will. Once I had that foundation, I knew I had to refine it for coherence and impact. It was a lengthy process of reevaluating the draft, which I spent refining in complete solitude for three weeks. By the end, I was able to shape it into its current form.
io9: Initially, you had the concept of missing children but were uncertain about the “why.” What was your process for figuring that out?
Cregger: It was indeed a challenge. I was hoping for a breakthrough while writing and, about 50 pages in, the clarity I needed hit me. It was a moment of sheer joy to realize I had a compelling reason for the mystery at the heart of the story.
io9: The title Weapons seems to align perfectly with the film’s themes. How did you land on that name?
Cregger: The title felt right from the start. I don’t remember the exact moment I settled on it, but it resonated with the story I wanted to tell from early drafts.
io9: In marketing, how much influence did you have over what elements of the film were showcased?
Cregger: The collaboration with Warner Bros. was strong, and they prioritized maintaining the film’s mysterious elements. There were discussions about specific cuts, but overall, they respected my creative input.
io9: With your next film being Resident Evil, did you feel any pressure considering its established fan base?
Cregger: Absolutely. Respecting the source material is paramount, especially since I’m a huge fan of the games myself. However, I believe in telling an original story that aligns with the established universe without repeating what’s already been done.
io9: The film features some intriguing effects, like the bloodshot eyes. Were these practical effects or CGI?
Cregger: Primarily VFX. We wanted to achieve a certain look that felt unsettling yet not overly obvious, drawing inspiration from conditions like Graves’ disease.
io9: Your movie blends horror with elements of drama and mystery. How did you balance these genres?
Cregger: The narrative evolved organically. Each character approached the mystery from different angles, which allowed for a multifaceted storytelling experience that’s both thrilling and engaging.
io9: When filming, did you shoot scenes from multiple perspectives simultaneously?
Cregger: Yes, due to budget and time constraints, it was essential to shoot sequentially for coherence. Organization was key, especially when navigating different character arcs within the same setting.
io9: Initially, Pedro Pascal was slated for the role now played by Josh Brolin. How different would the film have been with him?
Cregger: It’s hard to speculate since the movie never took that path. I can only say that I’m thrilled with Josh’s performance—he brought something extraordinary to the role.
Weapons is set to release on August 8. Catch it when it hits theaters and check back next week for more insights from Cregger about the film’s intriguing plot twists.
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