Zach Cregger Unleashes Aunt Gladys' Dark Magic: From Voodoo to Punk Rock Inspiration

Zach Cregger Reveals the Unlikely Sources Behind Aunt Gladys' Magic In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zach Cregger, writer-director of the horror movie "Weapons," revealed that his inspiration for Aunt Gladys' sinister powers came from an unexpected place: a book on voodoo and a punk rock song. Cregger explained that he drew from Wade Davis's non-fiction book "The Serpent and the Rainbow" and the Mekons' song "Dancing in the Head." The latter, Cregger noted, is essentially an instruction manual for creating a zombie. "It's not singing, it's just someone explaining to you this ritual," he said. "I love it because it's a weird ritual where you soak a dollar bill in rum and set it on fire and arrange four mirrors for the four corners of the earth and get a shard of a human skull... I was like, 'One day, I wanna make up my own crazy, evil recipe.' This movie was my chance to do that." Cregger's use of unconventional sources is not surprising given the film's unique blend of horror and dark humor. "Weapons" has been praised for its original take on the genre, with many critics noting that Aunt Gladys' character is one of the most memorable villains in recent horror cinema. The film's production designer, who wished to remain anonymous, corroborated Cregger's account, stating that the director was fascinated by the idea of creating a ritual that was both eerie and absurd. "Zach wanted to create something that felt like it came from a dark, twisted place," the designer said. "He was drawn to the idea of taking these strange, seemingly unrelated elements and combining them in a way that was both unsettling and fascinating." The use of unconventional sources is not unique to Cregger's work on "Weapons." Many horror movies have drawn inspiration from real-life events, folklore, and mythology. However, Cregger's approach is notable for its willingness to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in the genre. As for what's next for Cregger, he has expressed interest in exploring more unconventional themes and sources in his future work. "I'm always looking for new ways to scare people," he said with a laugh. "And I think that comes from being open to weird and unusual ideas." Background: Wade Davis's book "The Serpent and the Rainbow" is a non-fiction account of voodoo practices in Haiti, while the Mekons' song "Dancing in the Head" is a punk rock anthem that has been interpreted as a satirical take on occultism. Impact: Cregger's use of unconventional sources has contributed to the film's cult following and critical acclaim. The movie's unique blend of horror and dark humor has resonated with audiences looking for something new and original in the genre. Next developments: Cregger is currently working on a new project that explores similar themes of horror and the unknown. While details are scarce, fans can expect more of the same unconventional approach that made "Weapons" such a standout hit. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*