The upcoming trilogy of The Strangers franchise is set to bring fans a treat, with all three films already filmed and ready for release. Director Renny Harlin has drawn inspiration from the 2008 original film for his version of the story, featuring Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez as a couple forced to confront masked killers while on the road. Harlin expressed his love for the original film and the opportunity to create a trilogy based on it, rather than a remake or reboot.
The search for the lead actors was intensive, with a focus on finding a couple that felt natural and relaxed together on screen. Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez were chosen for their exceptional acting skills and their ability to embody the realistic relationship needed for the film. Other cast members include Rachel Shenton, Gabriel Basso, and Ema Horvath, among others. The first official trailer introduced Petsch and Gutierrez’s characters and their terrifying ordeal at an isolated Airbnb home.
The entire trilogy was filmed concurrently in Bratislava, Slovakia, posing a significant challenge for the cast and crew as they worked to maintain continuity across the three movies. The first film is set for release in May 2024, with the subsequent installments scheduled for later in the year and the beginning of the following year. Harlin has hinted at potentially releasing a director’s cut that combines all three films into a marathon viewing experience.
The premise of the trilogy follows Maya and Ryan, a couple starting a new life who become targets of three murderous masked strangers after their car breaks down at an isolated Airbnb home. Petsch has mentioned doing extensive research and rewatching the original film to understand its bone-chilling nature, emphasizing the elevated terror and unpredictability of the story. The trilogy delves into revealing the identity and origins of the killers while maintaining a sense of realism and dread throughout.
Harlin and Petsch have both highlighted the importance of answering questions and paying homage to the original fans of The Strangers franchise. The filmmaker has also teased a potential four-and-a-half hour director’s cut that would combine all three movies into a comprehensive viewing experience. The trilogy aims to keep the tone of reality and claustrophobia intact while taking the audience on a surprising and epic journey through terror, fear, and despair. Fans can expect a modern twist on the original story while staying true to its roots and introducing new elements to captivate audiences.