The Aunt Gladys Origin Story That Weapons Left Out & Her Powers Explained

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Many critics are already calling Weapons the best horror film of 2025, which is saying a lot given the strong competition this year from movies like Sinners and Bring Her Back. There are still several promising films, including Keeper and Predator: Badlands, yet to be released. Now that Weapons, from Barbarian director Zach Cregger, is available to stream on HBO Max, more viewers are discovering it – and, like those who saw it in theaters, they’re left with plenty to discuss.

We’ve already detailed the complete storyline of Weapons in order. Now, we’re sharing more about the history and abilities of the film’s villain, Gladys (played by Amy Madigan). This information comes directly from the writer and director, Zach Cregger. In a recent interview discussing the film’s story, Cregger explained how the character of Gladys was developed, and revealed the extensive backstory and powers they created for her – even details that didn’t make it into the movie itself.

Gladys’ Origin Story: Ma’am or Monster?

I learned that when Mark Cregger was developing Gladys’ character, he didn’t just come up with one backstory – he created several! He gave Amy Madigan, who plays Gladys, a bunch of options to choose from, letting her pick the version that best informed how she’d play the role. He just asked her to let him know which one she went with.

I gave Amy two possible backstories to choose from. As I told Vanity Fair, they were very different, and I let her decide without needing to share her choice with me. I still don’t know which one she went with.

Reports indicate that Gladys was once an ordinary woman who turned to increasingly unusual methods, eventually including witchcraft, when faced with a serious illness. According to creator Daniel Cregger, she adopted these practices as a desperate attempt to save her life, and he doesn’t want to reveal any further details about her journey.

Cregger also suggested that Gladys might not be a normal person at all, but a sinister supernatural being. This entity could be taking over the Lilly family and eventually the entire town. In this interpretation, her strange, clown-like behavior would be similar to Pennywise from Stephen King’s It – a creature pretending to be human. Her witchcraft wouldn’t just be spells she’s learned, but the power of a dark, otherworldly force, representing the hidden negativity of doubt and hatred within people. Cregger said he found this idea particularly compelling.

Ever since Weapons hit theaters and did so well, people have been buzzing about the possibility of sequels or even a whole franchise! The idea I keep hearing about is a prequel focusing on Gladys, and honestly, it’s brilliant. The multiple-choice options they gave for her backstory now seem really important – it could shape everything. If Gladys turns out to be something other than a woman who just got desperate and turned to witchcraft – which, by the way, was a fascinating take – then the possibilities for more Weapons movies are endless. They could explore her history in any era, and even bring her back from the dead for a sequel – something that felt impossible before! It’s exciting to think about where they could take it.

Essentially, leaning into the supernatural allows Weapons to become a series of interconnected stories. The only requirements would be presenting multiple perspectives and exploring the idea of societies that become corrupt and self-destructive. Imagine this backdrop set against historical events like the fall of Rome, the early days of American colonization, the Satanic panic of the 60s and 70s, or even modern-day scenarios. It seems like a potentially very profitable idea.

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2025-10-31 00:41