Whether a film is original or a remake, everything that’s a hit eventually becomes a franchise. With Paramount Pictures taking another stab at Stephen King‘s novel “Pet Sematary”, there’s already talk of a followup – warranted after the ultra-hyped reviews (read ours) out of the SXSW World Premiere. But if the studio were to dig up more sour ground, it would be in the form of a prequel.

Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura tells Consequence of Sound that a return to Ludlow, Maine wouldn’t be out of the question given all the backstory that’s buried within its hills.

“I generally don’t start thinking about [sequels] until they’re a success,” di Bonaventura admits, contending, “I think if there’s anything here, there’s a prequel. I think if you look at the book, we didn’t cover all that stuff that happens before the Creed family moves in.

“So, I think there’s a movie there, and I think I’d be particularly interested in doing that,” he continued, “because, again, it’s the source material and you are going toward something that also has a lot of crazy, creepy feelings about it.”

Senior writer and Losers’ Club host Dan Caffrey points out that the town of Ludlow is rich in short stories, mostly told through the character of Jud Crandall, who’s portrayed by John Lithgow in the new film.

Maybe we’ll get a more Wendigo-oriented story?

Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch direct the new R-rated adaptation that opens Nationwide on April 5, 2019.

Pet Sematary follows Dr. Louis Creed, who, after relocating with his wife Rachel and their two young children from Boston to rural Maine, discovers a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near the family’s new home. When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to his unusual neighbor, Jud Crandall, setting off a perilous chain reaction that unleashes an unfathomable evil with horrific consequences.

Twins Hugo Lavoie and Lucas Lavoie play Gage Creed, with Jeté Laurence as Ellie Creed. Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz are our new Louis and Rachel Creed, with John Lithgow as Jud Crandall. Obssa Ahmed is playing Victor Pascow, with Alyssa Brooke Levine as Zelda.