Fans of atmospheric horror rejoice — Netflix and director David Bruckner are returning to the terrifying forests of Scandinavia. The Ritual 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2017 sleeper hit The Ritual, is officially in development, promising to continue the nightmarish mythology that captured audiences with its eerie blend of Norse folklore, psychological dread, and primal terror.
A Return to the Norse Nightmares
The original The Ritual, based on Adam Nevill’s novel, followed four friends whose hiking trip in Sweden turned into a chilling fight for survival against an ancient pagan entity. The film received critical praise for its haunting atmosphere, slow-burn tension, and unique creature design — especially the fearsome Jötunn-like forest god that terrorized the group.
Now, The Ritual 2 looks to expand that dark mythology, potentially exploring new characters, different regions, and deeper layers of Norse horror.
What’s the Story?
Plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, but insiders hint that the sequel may follow a new group of travelers who stumble upon the same cursed forest — or another area under the influence of similar ancient powers. There’s also speculation that the film could revisit the lone survivor from the original, tying his trauma back into the new story in unexpected ways.
David Bruckner is reportedly in talks to return as producer, though a new director may helm the project to bring a fresh perspective to the sequel.
Bigger, Bolder, and More Horrifying
Sources say The Ritual 2 will up the ante with more elaborate folklore, practical creature effects, and a wider scope — while maintaining the claustrophobic tension and psychological unease that made the first film a standout.
No casting announcements have been made yet, but the film is expected to begin pre-production later in 2025, with a possible release in 2026 on Netflix.
The Forest Still Hungers
With the original’s cult following still strong and folk horror more popular than ever, The Ritual 2 is primed to bring viewers back into the dark woods — where ancient gods still walk and not everyone makes it out.
Stay out of the forest… or don’t. Either way, The Ritual 2 is coming.