Weapons’ Amy Madigan Reacts To Aunt Gladys Becoming A Gay Icon (And She Deserves It)

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Horror movies continue to be incredibly popular, and I’m thrilled about that! Warner Bros. has been responsible for some of the most exciting recent releases, particularly Zach Cregger’s Weapons. Everyone is praising Amy Madigan‘s portrayal of Aunt Gladys, and many are hoping she receives recognition at awards shows. The actress recently addressed the fact that her character has become a beloved icon within the LGBTQ+ community.

The movie Weapons was both a commercial and critical success, appealing to a wide audience. Many LGBTQ+ horror fans, including myself, have long appreciated the genre, and often connect with its iconic villains. Actress Madigan recently discussed this connection on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, explaining how queer audiences have responded to her character, Gladys.

It’s wonderful to see how much the LGBTQ+ community has embraced Gladys. They seem to recognize her as someone who feels like an outsider, who’s struggled, and doesn’t quite fit in – and they connect with her unique style. I’m really touched that both the community and drag artists especially have found a connection with her.

Many people, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, connect with feeling like an outsider, and that’s often why horror movie villains are so popular. Gladys, with her bold style and blend of oddness and frightening behavior, is a particularly compelling character. I, for one, was instantly captivated by her mysterious and witch-like persona.

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Gladys became a surprisingly popular Halloween costume this year, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, who often referenced the character from the show Weapons. Many drag queens also performed comedic routines as Gladys. Madigan later discussed this trend on the podcast, explaining:

People in the drag community generally have amazing makeup skills, and Gladys’ style is a bit different – a little off-center, perhaps. However, the performers involved seem to enjoy her unique look, and she feels confident about it.

Gladys is instantly recognizable with her striking appearance – think bold makeup, vibrant colors, and that iconic red wig. It’s a look many people have tried to recreate, and since the movie came out, lots of drag performances inspired by her character have appeared online. Amy Madigan, who played the villain, has seen these performances and seems thrilled by how popular her character has become.

It’s not unusual for horror movie villains to gain a following among LGBTQ+ fans, and ‘Gladys’ is the latest example. ‘The Babadook’ previously became a queer icon after being mistakenly placed in the LGBTQ+ section on Netflix, and now fans are connecting with this new, quirky villain in a similar way.

Madigan’s character proved popular with moviegoers, sparking discussions about a potential spinoff focused on Gladys and her hidden past. However, Cregger has stated that while the idea has been considered, no official plans are currently in development because no agreement has been reached.

You can now watch Weapons with a subscription to HBO Max. Fans are already excited about a potential sequel, and many hope it’s announced soon, as it’s expected to be a scary and thrilling movie.

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2025-11-29 02:38