THE RITUAL 2

Overview

The Ritual 2 is the upcoming sequel to the acclaimed 2017 folk-horror film The Ritual, directed once again by David Bruckner. Building on the psychological trauma and Norse mythology of the original, the sequel promises a darker, more expansive journey into ancient evil and spiritual terror. With the return of Rafe Spall and a new ensemble cast, the film is expected to release in late 2025—just in time for Halloween.

Storyline

Several years after the horrific events in the Scandinavian forest, survivor Luke is still haunted by the demonic presence of the Jötunn. When a documentary crew approaches him to guide them back to the area for research, he reluctantly agrees—hoping to find closure.

But the forest has changed. The old god has not forgotten. And this time, the ritual runs deeper—pulling them into a mythic cycle that has been waiting to begin again.

Cast Highlights

• Rafe Spall returns as Luke, still tormented by survivor’s guilt

• Anya Taylor-Joy as Liv, a mythologist with a hidden agenda

• Bill Skarsgård as Anders, a charismatic but unstable survival expert

• Joe Keery, Noomi Rapace, and Froy Gutierrez in supporting roles

Tone & Themes

• Psychological Horror — explores trauma, guilt, and the burden of survival

• Folk Mythology — rooted in Norse legends and forest-based rituals

• Survival Drama — characters pushed to physical and emotional extremes

• Cosmic Dread — taps into ancient powers far beyond human understanding

Production Details

• Directed by David Bruckner (The Night House, Hellraiser 2022)

• 8-week principal photography in Iceland and Norway

• Focused on practical effects, dense atmosphere, and location-based tension

• Approximate runtime: 110 minutes

Why It’s Worth Watching

• Continues one of the most original horror concepts of the past decade

• Fuses Midsommar-style ritualistic dread with The Blair Witch Project-like isolation

• Deepens the mythology behind the forest god and its worshippers

• Combines emotional stakes with nerve-wracking suspense

Final Verdict

The Ritual 2 promises a harrowing descent into myth and madness. With returning characters, new sacrifices, and a deeper exploration of Norse terror, it looks ready to deliver a bold and intelligent horror experience—where memory and myth become one.