The Elongated Wait for 'Trick 'r Treat 2': What's the Holdup?

The Big Picture

Trick 'r Treat, a Halloween classic, overcame multiple delays before becoming a cult favorite and exciting property for Legendary Pictures.

Director Michael Dougherty has been eagerly anticipating a sequel, which is now advancing with the same production team and an unfamiliar adversary for Sam.

Dougherty's initial short film, starring Sam, effortless reveals his knack for weaving intricate holiday tales while establishing Sam's emergence as a true horror legend. The franchise has additionally ventured into the world of comic books, solidifying Sam's significance within Halloween mythology.

‘Tis the season to remember the little horror film that could. Overcoming multiple delays that could’ve indefinitely shelved the movie, Trick 'r Treat by Michael Dougherty quickly became a Halloween classic. Originally scheduled for release in October 2007, the film was repeatedly pushed back. After several festival screenings between December 2007 and August 2009, the world finally discovered this masterpiece when it was released on home media in October 2009. With its four-story narrative cleverly intertwined, Trick 'r Treat is like the Love Actually of the Halloween season, but even better in its execution. Since its release, there has been much speculation about a possible sequel. Here’s a glimpse of what’s been said, what we know, and how to satisfy your thirst for more of Sam’s adventures – the adorable pajama-wearing jack-o-lantern demon.

Director Michael Dougherty Has Plans for ‘Trick ’r Treat 2’

Legendary released the image via legendary.com

Shortly after the release of Trick 'r Treat, Dougherty shared with MTV his ideas for a sequel and even hinted at how it would conclude. In a mysterious conversation with Bloody Disgusting three years later, he mentioned that although the film was not actively being developed, it didn't mean that it wasn't on the horizon. He also expressed gratitude towards the fans for their enthusiastic support, suggesting that spreading the word and expanding the fanbase could potentially bring the sequel to life. A year following that, Dougherty officially announced Trick 'r Treat 2 during Beyond Fest 2013 in Los Angeles. The crucial factor that led to this point was the full support from Legendary Pictures, in sharp contrast to Warner Bros.' lack of faith in the first film. However, due to management changes at Legendary Pictures, the sequel encountered another setback and was put on hold (more like development limbo), resembling the obstacles faced by Hellboy 3 with the production company.

By 2019, ten years after the release of the original movie, Dougherty humorously acknowledged that being asked about Trick ’r Treat 2 had become a Halloween tradition for him. Since its inception, the film has cultivated a devoted fan base and has garnered impressive streaming numbers. Additionally, the expansion of merchandise, such as comic books and toys, has further demonstrated its popularity. As a result, Legendary Pictures, the current rights holder, has profited from this valuable asset. However, Dougherty expressed his belief that Trick ’r Treat should not be franchised or spun off like many other films. The uniqueness of Trick ’r Treat lies in its singular experience, which should not be diluted.

Michael Dougherty Gave Collider Details About ‘Trick 'r Treat 2’

Image via Legendary

Fast forward to 2022 and Trick 'r Treat gained momentum once again with its first ever wide release in cinemas. In that same year, Dougherty confirmed during Beyond Fest 2022 that the film was in "very active development," although it had not yet received an official green light. Recently, while attending Our website’s own Scary Perri’s Horror Series, Dougherty shared more details about the highly anticipated sequel. One of the exciting revelations is that Sam will be going up against a new enemy who will rival the Scrooge-like Kreeg, portrayed by Brian Cox. As fans eagerly await Dougherty's return as director, he also intends to bring back the original production team and collaborate with Todd Casey and Zach Shields, the co-writers of Krampus. Despite this encouraging news, it's important to temper our expectations. In the meantime, there are other ways to enjoy original stories featuring Sam in captivating and diverse settings.

‘Trick 'r Treat's Sam First Appeared in a Short

Image via Michael Dougherty

Dougherty shared the original short film on his YouTube channel, featuring the debut appearance of Sam. The 1996 short, titled Season's Greetings, takes place in a haunting neighborhood where children have gone missing and eerie dolls are left abandoned on the streets. As Sam tries to go trick-or-treating, an unknown adult figure follows him and traps him in a dark alley. A violent encounter occurs, revealing that Sam is not a victim but the one delivering the blows. The figure is left unconscious or possibly dead in Sam's candy bag. The short ends with a shot of Sam smiling and his eyes taking on a demonic appearance. This dialogue-free, marker-colored short effectively showcases Dougherty's talent for crafting twisted holiday stories and establishes Sam's potential as a horror icon.

Trick 'r Treat has expanded its universe beyond the film, with the addition of comic books. The franchise was adapted into a four-issue series, and Trick 'r Treat: Days of the Dead provides prequel tales exploring Sam's origins. This limited series consists of four issues, each telling a different story set in the past. The stories include a European woman accused of witchcraft who continues to spread Halloween traditions after her death, a pilgrim girl who learns from Native Americans after a great betrayal, a 1950s private detective confronting his past demons and unraveling new mysteries, and two friends experiencing their final Halloween together while temporarily transformed into monsters. All of these stories solidify Sam's role as an essential figure in Halloween lore, ensuring he remains a timeless being responsible for preserving the holiday's traditions.

The impact Trick 'r Treat had on its fans and the horror genre can still be felt nearly 15 years later. In a sea of remakes and revivals, Dougherty's work stands out, and it's no wonder that there is a demand for more. However, the long wait for the sequel may actually be a good thing, ensuring that it is released at the perfect time and after thorough development. Trick 'r Treat 2 has a lot to live up to, but if the expanded media is any indication, it should meet expectations. You can stream Trick 'r Treat on Max in the U.S.

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