Johnny is coming back to theaters. Independent Film Company and Shudder will release In a Violent Nature: Part 2 on Feb. 12, 2027, placing the slasher sequel on Valentine's Day weekend, according to Deadline and IndieWire.
Ry Barrett, who plays the masked killer in both films, made the announcement on Saturday at New York Comic-Con. IndieWire reported that he turned up as a surprise guest during Shudder's panel.
What the sequel promises
The new film begins right where the first one stopped, with Johnny still on his rampage. This time the trail leads to a summer camp, where an outcast young camper gets caught up in the yearly end-of-season celebration thrown by his sister, a counselor, and her friends, per both outlets.
Deadline reported that the sequel will dig further into Johnny's lore and push the kills toward the more brutal and inventive. IndieWire described the film's approach the same way, noting that the original told its horror story from the slasher's point of view rather than the victims'.
Chris Nash, who wrote the script, co-directs with Nate Wilson. Peter Kuplowsky, Shannon Hanmer and Nash are the producers.
From Sundance to a sequel
The first film broke out in Sundance's Midnight program in 2024, Deadline noted. IndieWire reported that it earned $4.5 million globally at the box office, and that a sequel was announced soon after that success. Part 2 was teased in February of this year and received its world premiere last month at Fantastic Fest.
IndieWire also framed the date as counterprogramming to Greta Gerwig's Narnia movie, which it said is arriving in the same window.
Why it matters
A theatrical date in mid-February gives the film a clear identity as an alternative to romance-season releases, and it shows Independent Film Company and Shudder are betting on a niche horror property that found its audience through festival buzz. IndieWire noted that Independent Film Company has had a busy year, with releases including Chum, Faces of Death and Night Nurse.
Reporting sources: Deadline, “‘In a Violent Nature: Part 2’ Gets 2027 Premiere Date With IFC & Shudder — NYCC” · IndieWire, “‘In a Violent Nature: Part 2’ to Release Valentine’s Day Weekend 2027”.