The Grudge 2020 Reboot Trailer Is Here To Give You Nostalgia Nightmares

In the early 2000s, three horror films set the stage for the genre during the remainder of the decade. 2002’s The Ring came first. Then, in 2004, one week separated two of the decade’s most iconic horror films. A week before the original Saw debuted, The Grudge hit theaters. The film, another Japanese film, featured some truly chilling moments. An easy way to gauge a horror movie’s success is whether or not it gets non-horror fans into seats. It worked on many; the $10 million budget film raked in $187 million in the US alone. The film was popular overseas, so it seemed destined to succeed. Now we’re 16 years separated from the original film, and the reboot seems a bit predictable. Nevertheless, the trailer for The Grudge 2020 reboot looks to be a promising reimagining of the core story that thrilled thousands.

What is The Grudge 2020 Reboot About?

At its core, The Grudge 2020 reboot is still concerned with the same central story. In the original, a house that has seen unthinkable horrors sits haunted. Anyone who enters the home is immediately buying time until a gruesome death. The reboot follows a detective, played by Andrea Riseborough, who is investigating the house that happens to sit in her neighborhood. As she fights to protect her son from the demonic spirits plaguing the neighborhood, she’ll learn more about what’s causing the curse. 

The script for The Grudge 2020 reboot is being handled by Nicolas Pesce. Pesce’s previous work includes writing and directing 2016’s The Eyes of My Mother, and 2018’s Piercing. Sam Raimi is also back as a producer; he also served in this role for the original film and its sequel. The film also stars John Cho, Andrea Riseborough, Betty Gilpin, Lin Shaye and Demian Bichir.

Image Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Is this a Reboot or a Sequel? 

It’s not clear whether or not any mention of original characters from the first trilogy will pop up in this reboot. What is certain, however, is that the curse central to the films is alive and well. Iconic scenes like hands emerging from a bathtub and a hand appearing while someone showers are seen in the trailer. Those are some of the most memorable moments in the original film, so it’s clear that the reboot is somewhat of a callback to the original story. That being said, these are new characters who learn about the curse and its history.

If there is any mention of the original characters in the film, it will likely be saved as a surprise easter egg for fans. For now, we’ll have to keep finding little details in the trailer until the film releases. Surprisingly, the release date isn’t too far off; I’ll be honest, I thought we were much farther from opening day. 

The Grudge’s release date is January 3, 2020. Are you planning on seeing the new reboot? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of eerie films, make sure to read up on The Lighthouse review posted to the site! Comic Years is your go-to place for pop culture, comic books, and gaming.

Featured Image Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.