Production Begins on ‘In a Violent Nature 2’ This September in Canada
The brutal slasher world of In a Violent Nature is expanding, as a sequel, In a Violent Nature 2, is officially set to begin production in September 2025 in Canada. The follow-up to the 2024 indie horror hit comes courtesy of IFC Films and Shudder, who announced the project last year during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con.
Originally written and directed by Chris Nash, In a Violent Nature quickly carved out a unique place in the modern horror landscape when it premiered in the Midnight section at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. It was released theatrically in May of the same year and later arrived on the Shudder streaming platform. The film’s success was notable—earning positive critical reception and grossing $3 million in its opening week across 1,426 screens, marking IFC Films’ widest release to date.
A distinctive twist on the slasher formula, In a Violent Nature took the genre back to its primal roots—literally and stylistically. Set deep in the remote Ontario wilderness, the story follows Johnny, a vengeful, undead killer who is accidentally resurrected when a group of unsuspecting teens disturb his grave by stealing a golden locket. Unlike traditional slashers that focus on the survivors, In a Violent Nature flips the perspective entirely, telling the story primarily through the eyes of the killer.
Ry Barrett starred as the near-silent Johnny, supported by Andrea Pavlovic and Friday the 13th Part 2 alum Lauren-Marie Taylor. The film gained notoriety for its brutally inventive kills, including a particularly grotesque moment involving a victim’s head being pulled through her own abdominal cavity—earning it praise and shocked gasps from horror fans worldwide.
In a Violent Nature 2 Moves Forward
Now, with In a Violent Nature 2 officially moving forward, expectations are high. Chris Nash is confirmed to return as screenwriter, though it has yet to be announced if he will also direct. Producer Peter Kuplowsky, who is returning alongside Shannon Hanmer, revealed that the concept was always envisioned as part of a larger fictional slasher franchise.
“In a Violent Nature was originally conceived as a meta-sequel within a fictional slasher series,” Kuplowsky said. “That we now have the opportunity to continue following Johnny on his restless walk has us feeling incredibly grateful to our partners at IFC Films and Shudder. We’re excited to deploy Johnny as a conduit to further experiments in the genre.”
Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks’ Film Group, echoed the enthusiasm. “There continues to be a yearning for new perspectives in horror. We knew immediately that this distinctive take on the slasher would enthrall fans and are glad to see the community embrace a new slasher icon in Johnny. With the sequel, we aim to prove that Johnny can be bigger, meaner, and his kills more impressive.”
Emily Gotto, Nicholas Lazo, and Samuel Zimmerman will oversee the sequel’s development for Shudder.
While few plot details have been revealed, fans can expect In a Violent Nature 2 to continue exploring Johnny’s mythos—likely with even more gruesome set pieces and woodland carnage. Given the experimental structure and ambient dread of the first film, the sequel could deepen the psychological and visual impact even further.
As slasher cinema continues to evolve, In a Violent Nature stands out for its patience, atmosphere, and perspective. If the sequel builds on those strengths while upping the horror ante, it could cement Johnny’s place among the modern greats of horror icons.
Stay tuned for casting announcements, official release dates, and more gruesome updates as production gets underway. Are you looking forward to more violent deaths courtesy of Johnny?
