A prequel to 2025's surprise hit "Weapons" is moving ahead at Warner Bros with filmmaker Zach Cregger penning the script with "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" writer Zach Shields.

The movie is tentatively titled "Gladys", focusing on the villainous character played by actor Amy Madigan, who went on to win an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in the first part.

Shields has regularly written for Warner Bros. and Legendary's Monsterverse franchise, especially films like "Godzilla: King of the Monsters", "Godzilla vs. Kong" and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire".

Cregger, who wrote and directed "Weapons", will also produce the prequel along with Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee and Miri Yoon, according to Deadline.

Portrayed as the modern, dark retelling of the Pied Piper folktale, "Weapons" centres around a group of missing children who disappear in the middle of the night.

The movie collected USD 270 million at the global box office after hitting theatres in August last year. It also starred Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich and Benedict Wong.

Madigan's Gladys is the peculiar aunt of Alex Lilly, the only child from the group who doesn't disappear.

Madigan, 75, had spoken about the possibility of a prequel in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter before her Oscar win last month.

“Zach has a map of what he would like to do. It would be such a blast, and it would be really great if we could revisit her in some way. I’m excited about that possibility," she said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.