Director Zach Cregger Reveals Origin of Aunt Gladys Character in Horror Film Weapons

Zach Cregger's horror film "Weapons" features the chilling character Aunt Gladys, portrayed by Amy Madigan, who has quickly become a fan-favorite villain known for her distinctive look and magical powers. Gladys was originally conceived in a shelved earlier script told from a child's perspective, depicting a sinister woman who subsumes the child's parents, symbolizing parental alcoholism from Cregger's own childhood. For Gladys' magical rituals, Cregger drew inspiration from Wade Davis' ethnographic book "The Serpent and the Rainbow" about Haitian voodoo, and the Mekons' song "Dancing in the Head," which outlines a ritual for creating zombies. The production team and Cregger simplified these mystical elements into easily understandable rituals, such as the iconic "bowl of water" scene. The character's impact has extended beyond the film, inspiring drag queens and gaining viral popularity, which delights Cregger and his collaborators. A prequel focusing on Aunt Gladys is in development, further exploring her backstory and expanding on her role in the "Weapons" universe.