Nicolas Cage Returns as Longlegs 2 Locks In Release Date

If you thought 'Longlegs' was just going to be another one-and-done horror flick, think again. We're officially looking at a new franchise in the making, and this time Paramount is stepping in to handle the next chapter. In a move nobody really saw coming (especially this fast), the studio has now announced exactly when you'll see the next installment.

Here Comes Longlegs 2 (Or, Whatever They End Up Calling It)

Paramount has locked in a release date for the follow-up in what is now awkwardly being called the 'Longlegs universe.' Mark your calendars for January 14, 2028—only a couple years from now, which, frankly, is fast-tracking for a movie that wasn't even supposed to exist until recently.

Osgood Perkins is back to write and direct, and, yes, Nicolas Cage will once again creep us out in the role that already looks destined to become some kind of horror-meme legend. If you're confused whether this is an actual sequel or just set in the same universe, well, you're not alone. Paramount is being cagey (pun intended) about the plot, describing it as a story 'within the Longlegs universe' rather than a straight-up continuation. Translation: they’re leaving plenty of wiggle room to get weird.

How We Got Here: From Indie Darling to Major Studio

Even the behind-the-scenes story is worth a popcorn break. The original 'Longlegs' came out in 2024, directed by Perkins, with Maika Monroe as an FBI agent chasing down a murder-suicide spree tied to Nicolas Cage’s serial killer character. That one was released by Neon, did R-rated business (and then some), and landed a global box office haul of $128 million off a budget under $10 million.

If you remember the marketing blitz Neon pulled off, you know it basically became a case study in how to turn a mid-budget horror movie into a must-see event. Word-of-mouth went ballistic, and Perkins—never exactly a household name—suddenly found himself on every horror fan’s radar.

Why the Studio Switch?

Now here's where it gets a little industry-nerdy. When it came time to get the sequel rolling, Neon reportedly looked at the rising budget and politely decided it was out of their league. So Paramount swooped in, seeing a chance to add another serious horror title to their upcoming slate. (Paramount execs have been banging the drum for more horror for a while, so no shock they jumped on this.)

Who's Involved?

• Osgood Perkins: back as both writer and director
• Nicolas Cage: starring (again as Longlegs) and producing
• Other producers: Brian Kavanaugh Jones, Chris Ferguson, Dave Caplan (returning from the first movie)

So, the core creative team remains intact, which bodes well for fans who actually want 'more of the same but bigger.'

'Longlegs 2 will arrive in theaters January 14, 2028.' (Paramount’s official statement. Short, sweet, no spoilers—not that there’s even a plot synopsis yet.)

So, even though it's technically untitled for now, this sequel is going to land in just over three years. Paramount’s making it clear they're going all-in on what was, until recently, a strange little indie that found a massive audience. Nicolas Cage as your recurring nightmare—how can you even say no?