The writers of A24’s religious horror Heretic (2024) discuss their potential next step in either the horror or science fiction genre. Heretic, follows two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who arrive at the doorstep of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) with hopes of sharing their faith. What begins as a routine encounter soon descends into a nightmarish game of survival as they find themselves trapped in a house filled with supernatural horrors. Set to release November 8, the film comes from A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.

In an interview with Screen Rant, the filmmaking duo opened up about their future plans, teasing a wide range of projects currently in development. From science fiction to a spiritual successor to their latest film, Beck and Woods expressed excitement about their next steps—though the decision isn’t an easy one. Read their full quote below:

Beck: There's five different ideas that we're kind of pushing forward right now that range from a giant science fiction movie that is to us like the best concept that we've ever dreamt up, ranging to something that's a spiritual sequel to Heretic, where it takes maybe a topic that isn't always discussed in genre the same way that we're doing in Heretic and expanding upon that.

Woods: It's a question of which one we're going to do next. It's tough. It's a tough choice.

What Their Comments Mean For Their Next Project

Is a Potential Sequel Included in the Mix?

It is unlikely the breadth of Beck and Woods' potential next project includes a return to the universe of A Quiet Place. In another interview with Screen Rant, Beck confessed, "what we're always invigorated by is finding the next original story," while Woods echoed similar sentiments with, "Yeah, we love sequels and remakes as much as anyone, but we kind of miss that era of movie-going where the big hit movies of every year were these things you had never heard of before."

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Scott Beck and Bryan Woods' dive back into science fiction could allow the duo to expand beyond the post-apocalyptic Earth already captured in A Quiet Place, and explore larger worlds with more ambitious narratives. A sci-fi project described as “the best concept they’ve ever dreamt up” suggests they're aiming to push creative boundaries and deliver something original akin to Arrival (2016) or Gravity (2013).

Conversley, a spiritual successor to the Heretic presents an opportunity for them to continue their exploration of unconventional horror movie tropes. Given the duo’s knack for innovative storytelling, such a project could delve deeper into the torment of one's own faith or the sinister zealotry of others. By expanding on ideas introduced in Heretic, Beck and Woods may establish themselves as pioneers of a new niche within the genre, one that intertwines faith, fear, and the human condition.

Our Take Their Next Project

There's Much To Look Forward To

Emily Blunt, while holding a baby, leads her children forward in A Quiet Place Part 2

Whatever direction they take, Beck and Woods' future work promises to challenge genre conventions and further cement their place as voices to look out for in either the sci-fi or horror genre. They've demonstrated a unique ability to blend thrills with thought-provoking narratives, and their projects promise to carry on that tradition. Given their track record, including positive reviews for Heretic, their next movie will likely be another hit. Their ability to balance emotional weight with suspenseful storytelling will likely remain the cornerstone of their work, whether in a futuristic, dystopian world or the shadowy realm of religious horror.