Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (2026)

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come reunites the directing duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for Ready or Not and Scream VI. Despite releasing seven years after the original, the story picks up immediately where the first film left off, which creates a slightly odd but mostly workable sense of continuity given the visible passage of time. The film leans harder into its dark comedy and expands the twisted family game concept, raising the stakes while keeping the same chaotic energy that made the original stand out.

Samara Weaving, known for Ready or Not and Babysitter, steps back into the role with ease. She still brings that frantic intensity and sharp comedic timing, but there is a noticeable shift in her presence. The character feels more hardened, less reactive, which fits the story but loses a bit of the unpredictability that made her performance so memorable the first time around. Still, she anchors the film and keeps it grounded even when things get ridiculous.

Kathryn Newton, known for Pokemon: Detective Pikachu and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, plays her newly introduced sister and adds a different dynamic to the chaos. She leans into a more modern horror-comedy tone, bringing a mix of sarcasm and panic that contrasts nicely with Weaving’s more experienced survivor. Their relationship becomes a central piece of the film, even if it occasionally feels underdeveloped.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Cruel Intentions, takes on the main antagonist role and clearly enjoys it. She brings a commanding presence and a bit of theatrical menace, making her a fun but not overly complex villain. Paired with Shawn Hatosy, known for Animal Kingdom and The Faculty, the sibling dynamic adds some tension, though Hatosy’s character is intentionally weaker and doesn’t leave the same impression.

Elijah Wood, known for The Lord of the Rings and Maniac, easily steals several scenes as The Lawyer. His performance is the most interesting in the film, blending eccentricity with an underlying sense of danger. Every time he appears, the movie feels sharper and more unpredictable, adding a layer the rest of the film occasionally lacks.

Overall, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come delivers a fun continuation that doesn’t quite recapture the originality of the first but still entertains. The expanded cast and heightened stakes work more often than not, even if some character dynamics could have been explored further. Result: B

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