"Good Boy" Sequel? Director Unleashes Paw-sibilities!

Thescreescore – Ben Leonberg, the creative force behind the canine-centric horror flick "Good Boy," is already sniffing around potential sequels and an expanded universe. In a recent interview, Leonberg, along with producer Kari Fischer, hinted at the film’s unexpected success and the intriguing possibility of delving deeper into the world of heroic hounds.

Leonberg revealed that the seeds for a sequel were sown during the original film’s production. He and his co-writer were already brainstorming potential follow-ups, even while navigating the challenges of filming with Indy, the film’s four-legged star. "We had ideas for the sequel while we were making the movie – some of the things that weren’t practical to make for several reasons, not just because Indy couldn’t do it, but ideas of what happens next to Indy’s character," Leonberg explained to thescreescore.com.

Intriguingly, Leonberg suggested that future installments might not necessarily revolve around Indy. Instead, the focus could shift to a new canine protagonist thrust into a different, yet equally terrifying, scenario. "Maybe even just a continuation with another dog, not necessarily in the Good Boy universe, but another familiar horror setting where a canine has to become a hero. That unique point of view is something I’d definitely be interested in," he elaborated.

While a "Good Boy" sequel is certainly on the director’s mind, it seems Leonberg is eager to explore other creative avenues first. He expressed a desire to work on a human-centric project before revisiting the "land of dogs," suggesting a temporary departure from the genre that brought him initial acclaim.

Since its release, "Good Boy" has garnered positive attention, earning a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film for subverting horror tropes by positioning an animal as the hero, rather than the victim, a refreshing twist that has resonated with audiences. The film’s trailer also generated significant buzz, with Google searches related to Indy’s survival skyrocketing by 2000%. This surge in interest prompted Leonberg to confirm the dog’s fate prior to release, a strategic move that further fueled anticipation.

Although Leonberg’s immediate focus lies elsewhere, his comments indicate that he’s far from finished with "Good Boy." With Indy’s survival secured, the prospect of a sequel, or even a larger "Good Boy" cinematic universe, remains a distinct possibility, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unique horror saga.