Being one of the most popular genres, horror is notoriously difficult to master, especially when it comes to staying in the cultural conversation months after release. That challenge becomes even greater for films made outside Hollywood. While genre fans often celebrate international horror, only a few titles manage to break through and earn a place among the all-time greats.
One director who has defied those odds is Argentine filmmaker Demian Rugna. He first shook the horror world with “Terrified,” a chilling tale of paranormal investigators confronting a series of strange events in a Buenos Aires neighborhood. The flick traveled far beyond Argentina’s borders and earned widespread acclaim, particularly in the United States. Yet Rugna’s greatest triumph was still to come.
In 2023, Rugna released “When Evil Lurks” in collaboration with Shudder, the streaming platform dedicated to horror cinema. The picture won the top prize at Sitges and captured the attention of critics and audiences worldwide. Named the best horror movie of the year by outlets such as Rotten Tomatoes and major entertainment magazines, the story of two brothers who discover a demon-infected man about to give birth to pure evil mesmerized viewers everywhere. And it seems like it will continue to do so!
When Evil Lurks 2: Director Demian Rugna Says Sequel Script Is Ready
Since “When Evil Lurks” hit theaters, Demian Rugna was constantly asked whether the movie would get a sequel. For a long time, he neither confirmed nor dismissed the idea, keeping it in a vague “we will see.”
Federico Liss in “When Evil Lurks” (Source: IMDb)
However, during a recent interview with Gelatina, an Argentine streaming channel, the filmmaker finally revealed that plans for a second installment are well underway. “I’ve already written the sequel. We’re just waiting for the funding to come through. The studio wants to move forward, everything is in place. I just need to make a few script revisions,” Rugna stated.
While he did not specify which production company he is referring to, it is most likely Shudder, the one that co-produced the original picture alongside Aramos Cine and Machaco Films. If that is the case, “When Evil Lurks 2” is poised to make a significant impact in the United States, both in theaters and on Shudder’s platform.
The next steps of the continuation remains a mystery, as the 2023 flick ends with the protagonist, Pedro, stumbling outside, collapsing, and wailing after being defeated by the evil that drives the story. Still, fans can trust Rugna to deliver another gripping experience. Until then, it is the perfect time to revisit “When Evil Lurks” and “Terrified,” both currently available on Shudder.
