As the highly anticipated horror sequel, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, prepares for its nationwide release tomorrow, March 20th, lead actresses Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton sat down for an exclusive interview with Dread Central to discuss the films that left a lasting impression on their formative years, the intricate realities of filming memorable death scenes, and their aspirations for future horror roles. The conversation offered a unique glimpse into the minds of two prominent figures in contemporary horror cinema, shedding light on their personal connections to the genre and their professional experiences.
The Art of the On-Screen Demise
Filming death scenes, a staple of the horror genre, presents actors with a peculiar set of challenges, requiring a delicate balance of performance and technical execution. Samara Weaving, reflecting on her role in the Scream VI franchise, highlighted the surprising complexity involved in portraying a character’s demise. "It was Scream. It was hard to know when to die," Weaving stated, recalling the specific difficulties she encountered. "I got stabbed, and I was like, ‘What stab is the one that does it?’ And then do you have your eyes open? It’s hard, man." Her candid admission underscores the nuanced performance required to make such moments resonate with audiences, even within the heightened reality of a slasher film.
Weaving’s experience in Scream VI is particularly noteworthy as she joined a lineage of actors who have faced Ghostface’s wrath. This recurring motif within the Scream universe often serves as a meta-commentary on horror tropes, and an actor’s survival or demise becomes a significant plot point. Co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, a seasoned horror icon in her own right, also met a brutal end as Sidney Prescott’s friend Casey Becker in the original Scream (1996), a death scene that set a precedent for the franchise’s shock value. Gellar’s character’s demise in Scream 2 (1997) further solidified the franchise’s willingness to eliminate key characters, a point that was also touched upon in a separate interview with Gellar. The deliberate placement and execution of these deaths are crucial for building suspense and establishing the stakes for the surviving characters, a narrative strategy that has been a hallmark of the Scream series since its inception.
Childhood Scares and Eerie Coincidences
The discussion then shifted to the formative influences that shaped their early perceptions of fear. Both Weaving and Newton identified the 2002 remake of The Ring as a significant, albeit terrifying, touchstone in their childhoods. For Weaving, the connection to the film’s central antagonist, Samara Morgan, was remarkably personal and eerily coincidental. "My friends were showing me The Ring… and her name is Samara. Her last name is Morgan, and that’s my sister’s name…" she shared, revealing a disconcerting parallel that likely amplified the film’s impact on her. The psychological terror and unsettling imagery of The Ring, particularly the iconic visual of Samara crawling out of the television screen, have cemented its place as a modern horror classic and a potent source of nightmares for a generation.
Kathryn Newton’s entry point into cinematic horror, however, was through the lens of parody. She confessed that her initial encounters with the fear associated with The Ring came via Scary Movie 3 (2001), a satirical take on various horror films, including the supernatural thriller. "Mine is Scary Movie 3, which is like the spoof on The Ring. It was the scary parts," Newton explained, before humorously acknowledging her youth at the time. "I was little. Give me a break!" This anecdote highlights how different individuals engage with horror, with some drawn to the direct experience of terror and others finding their first exposure through comedic deconstruction. The success of Scary Movie 3 and its predecessors speaks to the cultural saturation of horror films, where even their parodies become significant cultural artifacts.
![Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton on Their Shared Connection to ‘The Ring’ [Video]](https://www.dreadcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ron2-editorial.png)
The Impact of Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
The upcoming release of Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is poised to add another chapter to the contemporary horror landscape. The first film, released in 2019, garnered critical acclaim for its blend of dark humor, suspense, and a refreshingly unique premise that saw a bride fighting for her life on her wedding night. The sequel is expected to build upon the established lore and escalate the stakes for its protagonists. The initial film’s success was driven by its inventive narrative, which subverted traditional wedding tropes into a blood-soaked game of survival. Critics lauded the film for its practical effects, Samara Weaving’s performance as the resourceful bride Grace, and its sharp social commentary. The sequel’s anticipation is fueled by the potential to explore the wider implications of the Le Domas family’s cursed traditions and the wider impact on those who become entangled in their deadly rituals.
The film’s critical reception and box office performance were strong, leading to its status as a cult favorite and a significant entry in the modern horror canon. The original film grossed over $57 million worldwide against a $6 million budget, demonstrating its commercial viability and audience appeal. This financial success provided a solid foundation for the production of a sequel, allowing for a potentially larger scope and more elaborate set pieces. The success of the original also solidified the reputations of its lead actors, paving the way for their continued involvement in the horror genre.
Anticipating Future Horror Roles
When contemplating their dream roles within the horror genre, the conversation between Weaving and Newton revealed a shared appreciation for iconic characters and a desire to contribute to the genre’s rich tapestry. While specific dream roles were not explicitly detailed in the provided excerpt, the context of their discussion—reflecting on childhood fears and memorable on-screen deaths—suggests an interest in characters that are either deeply psychological, physically demanding, or possess a significant cultural impact within horror cinema. The possibility of either actress taking on a future iteration of a classic horror villain or hero remains an exciting prospect for fans of the genre. The enduring appeal of horror icons like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, or even the supernatural entities from films like The Exorcist or A Nightmare on Elm Street continues to inspire new interpretations and potential casting choices.
The synergy between Weaving and Newton, as evidenced in their candid interview, suggests a strong working relationship and a shared passion for the genre. Their reflections on The Ring and the Scream franchise highlight a genuine engagement with the history and evolution of horror filmmaking. As they step into their roles in Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, their performances are expected to be informed by these deep-seated connections to the genre, promising a compelling and thrilling cinematic experience for audiences. The success of films like Ready or Not 2 often depends on the chemistry and commitment of its cast, and the insights shared by Weaving and Newton suggest that this sequel is in capable hands.
The full interview, featuring the complete discussion between Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton, is available in video format, offering further insights into their personal journeys within the horror genre and their excitement for the upcoming release. The film’s premiere is scheduled for March 20th, and tickets are available for purchase through various ticketing platforms. The marketing campaign for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come has leveraged the franchise’s established fanbase and the actors’ individual star power, aiming to replicate and potentially surpass the success of its predecessor. The film’s release is anticipated to be a significant event for horror enthusiasts looking for a blend of scares and dark humor.
