Wrong Turn, the enduring franchise about a group of killer cannibals in the woods, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Since the original film’s release in May 2003, the series has seen remarkable longevity, with five direct-to-video sequels following its success. Now, writer Alan B. McElroy hopes to continue the franchise with not one, but two more sequels, completing the trilogy he had envisioned.
Expanding the Foundation: A Trilogy in the Making
In a recent deep dive by Entertainment Weekly into the making of Wrong Turn for its 20th anniversary, McElroy expressed his desire to see the story of Wrong Turn: The Foundation expanded further. The film, which served as a complete reboot of the series, has inspired McElroy to develop two additional sequels that would delve deeper into the world he had created.
“I had planned two more films, so there would be a trilogy, based around this idea of the Foundation and these characters. I’d love to finish it and see it all come out the way I wanted,” McElroy shared.
The Evolution of Wrong Turn
Wrong Turn began as a modest theatrical success in 2003 but found its true calling on home video. As a result, the sequels all went direct-to-DVD and were made for much lower budgets. The franchise expanded with Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead, Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings, Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines, and Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort. Eventually, they ran out of gas and the series ended, for a time, after the sixth entry in 2014. But then, McElroy had the idea to reinvent the series, focusing on a group of protective isolationists, rather than cannibals. It worked quite well for critics and audiences – those who saw it, anyway.
Despite the potential of the reboot, 2021’s Wrong Turn faced challenges due to the circumstances surrounding its release. Directed by Mike P. Nelson, the film debuted amidst the ongoing pandemic, resulting in a limited theatrical rollout and a subsequent release on video-on-demand platforms. It’s hard to know what might have happened if the reboot had a more favorable release.
A Vision for the Future
Nevertheless, McElroy’s vision for the future of the franchise remains unwavering. His desire to produce two more sequels promises to provide fans with a complete trilogy that delves deeper into the world of the Foundation. With his creative direction, the series can explore new dimensions and expand upon the intriguing concepts introduced in Wrong Turn: The Foundation.
The Wrong Turn franchise has always been known for its suspenseful and gruesome storytelling. Each installment has captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror and survival. McElroy’s commitment to completing the trilogy ensures that fans can look forward to a satisfying conclusion that ties together the storylines established in the previous films.
An Exciting Journey Ahead
As the series moves forward, McElroy’s vision for the two additional sequels will undoubtedly bring fresh twists and turns to the narrative. Audiences can anticipate exploring the depths of the Foundation and its mysterious characters, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the already established lore.
While the pandemic may have impacted the immediate success of the 2021 reboot, it is important to remember the enduring legacy of the Wrong Turn franchise. The series has survived and thrived for two decades, captivating audiences with its terrifying premise and thrilling storytelling. McElroy’s dedication to expanding the universe of Wrong Turn demonstrates his commitment to delivering a memorable experience for fans and newcomers alike.
In conclusion, Wrong Turn, the iconic franchise that has spanned two decades, may soon see the realization of its creator’s vision. Alan B. McElroy’s desire to produce two more sequels promises to provide fans with a complete trilogy that delves deeper into the world of the Foundation. Despite the challenges faced by the 2021 reboot, the potential for future installments leaves room for excitement and anticipation within the horror franchise community. As we eagerly await the continuation of the Wrong Turn saga, we can only imagine the chilling and exhilarating journey that lies ahead.
