The Woman in Black gets a sequel

The success of The Woman in Black on both sides of the Atlantic was something of a surprise to everybody. The movie was always going to do solid business as the combination of Daniel Radcliffe, a script by Jane Goldman and the return of iconic horror studio Hammer was enticing. Whilst I found the movie somewhat underwhelming, there’s no denying it’s huge success.

Taking over £20m in the UK alone (and counting), it’s made over $112m worldwide and the film is still on release. A fair part of it’s appeal is the source material, and of course Radcliffe in his first post Potter role.

News of a fast-tracked sequel was announced today, only this time there’s no Radcliffe, no Jane Goldman and director James Watkins has also been replaced. The story will take place 40 years on from the first film, so a wartime setting is likely for the sequel.

The new script is written by Jon Croker, and it’s already got the seal of approval from Hammer Films CEO. Simon Oakes said “It’s a wonderful new tale every bit as atmospheric and terrifying as its predecessor.”

The events of the new film will once again be set at Eel Marsh House, a young couple move into the abandoned house and before you can say Casper, a bunch of spooky things start happening to the new owners.

Personally it seems like a mistake not to bring the director and writer back, my misgivings aside the film was beautifully shot and a very classy ghost story. No word on when filming begins, but The Woman in Black: Angels Of Death will be haunting cinemas in the very near future.