The Babadook Director Explains Why Her Horror Classic Never Got a Sequel

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As a cinephile who has had the privilege of witnessing some truly exceptional films, I must say that Jennifer Kent’s masterpiece, The Babadook, stands out as one of the most profound and impactful horror movies ever made. Ten years have passed since its release, yet its haunting imagery and deep psychological exploration continue to resonate with audiences.

10 years ago, a debut Australian director’s low-budget horror film, “The Babadook,” captivated the genre in 2014. Now, Jennifer Kent, the creator behind this modern classic, discusses why a sequel was never produced. Starring Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman, this Australian gem follows a mourning widow and her son as they confront a supernatural menace haunting their lives. However, “The Babadook” delves far beyond the surface, exploring profound themes such as mental health, anger, grief, and resentment. This film shuns jump scares in favor of leading audiences on an introspective journey into the human psyche, delving deep into our innermost fears and emotions.

In an interview with ComicBook.com, Kent mentioned that The Babadook could have developed into a series of films, which is often the case for low-budget horror movies that prove financially successful. Released in 2014 at a cost of approximately $2 million, the film went on to earn $10 million at the box office – not a massive sum by any means, but still profitable enough to attract interest from studios for potential sequels or continuations. However, Kent did not express eagerness about continuing the storyline.

Kristina Ceyton and I had the opportunity to create numerous sequels, indeed we could have made millions from them. However, we chose not to. It was evident that I wasn’t interested in making a sequel since our initial contract signing. We were fortunate enough to secure the rights, something that is increasingly difficult for filmmakers. The challenge often lies in surrendering these rights, either for the first film or future projects, in order to get production started. Instead, I used this opportunity to express what was on my mind. Frankly, it doesn’t feel like a continuation of Mr. Babadook, and after so much exposure, I think everyone might be tired of him by now.

Does The Babadook Need a Sequel?

It’s likely better not to attempt another film about The Babadook since the initial movie delved so deeply into its themes that a repeat might not be as effective, given the rarity of capturing lightning in the same place twice. If they were to create sequels, they might either focus more on the monster or adopt an anthological approach, exploring how the presence of Mr. Babadook affects different families.

Is it possible? Sure. But is it necessary? Not really, according to Kent’s perspective. Since she already covered all her desired themes in her standalone masterpiece, “The Babadook,” it might be wiser to leave the original untouched. Making a film primarily for monetary reasons, especially a sequel, rarely meets expectations and may only serve to damage the esteemed reputation of exceptional films like “The Babadook,” which is one of the best horror movies ever produced.

Right now, you can stream “The Babadook” for free on Pluto TV. It’s coming back to selected cinemas on September 19 to mark its 10-year anniversary. Make sure to check your area’s listings to see if it’s showing nearby.

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2024-09-19 01:33