‘Jennifer’s Body’ Director Karyn Kusama Confirms ‘Fun and Crazy’ Sequel Script from Diablo Cody Is Underway

Sixteen years after its original release, ‘Jennifer’s Body’ is set to return with a sequel that promises to recapture the sharp wit, dark humor, and subversive energy that made the 2009 film a lasting favorite among fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Director Karyn Kusama has officially confirmed that screenwriter Diablo Cody, who penned the original, is currently working on the script for the new film. This long-awaited update is being met with enthusiasm from both the film’s original creative team and its passionate fanbase .

Karyn Kusama and Diablo Cody’s collaboration on ‘Jennifer’s Body’ has become legendary in horror-comedy circles. Kusama, speaking to Deadline and other media outlets, confirmed that Cody is “working on it right now,” adding, “I know some of the bones of it, so I’m not going to give anything away, but it sounds fun and crazy like the first film. And I have no doubt that Diablo will do something absolutely incredible with it” .

While the project has been discussed for years, Kusama’s comments mark the first official confirmation that the script is actively being developed. She expressed deep gratitude for the film’s growing legacy, stating, “I’m just so thankful that the work continues to speak to people. I’m just so satisfied by that” .

‘Jennifer’s Body’ initially struggled at the box office and received mixed reviews upon its 2009 release. Starring Megan Fox as the titular Jennifer and Amanda Seyfried as her best friend Needy, the film subverted horror tropes with a feminist, queer-affirming twist. Jennifer’s transformation into a supernatural predator—after a botched ritual sacrifice by a rock band—served as both a biting satire and a commentary on female friendship, autonomy, and desire .

Over time, the film gained a devoted following, especially within LGBTQ+ communities, for its depiction of same-gender attraction and its nuanced, unapologetic embrace of queer subtext. The infamous scene between Jennifer and Needy, often cited as an example of bisexual visibility in mainstream cinema, became iconic, and the film’s camp sensibility and critique of heteronormative expectations resonated with many viewers .

The critical reevaluation of ‘Jennifer’s Body’ has been widely attributed to its misunderstood marketing at the time of release, which failed to connect with its true audience. Kusama herself has commented on the difficulties, stating that the backlash and misinterpretation were “perhaps on a different timeline than any of us might have expected or hoped for,” but she is “so grateful that the film managed to find its audience” .

While Kusama has not revealed specific plot details, speculation has centered around the fate of Needy Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried), who, at the end of the first film, acquired supernatural abilities and escaped from a mental facility. Whether Seyfried or Fox will reprise their roles remains unconfirmed. However, Kusama notes that a sequel without Jennifer would be “an even harder sell,” implying that efforts may be underway to bring both original stars back .

Amanda Seyfried has reportedly expressed interest in returning to the franchise in the past, though no official casting has been announced. Megan Fox, whose performance as Jennifer was widely praised for its humor and subversive edge, has not publicly commented on her involvement as of this writing .

‘Jennifer’s Body’ has become a case study in how films can be reclaimed and reinterpreted by marginalized communities, particularly queer and transgender people who saw themselves reflected in the film’s themes of otherness, transformation, and resistance to societal norms. Critics and scholars have cited the film’s exploration of bisexuality, female desire, and toxic masculinity as key reasons for its enduring resonance .

LGBTQ+ audiences and critics alike have called for more stories that center queer experiences in genre films. With Cody and Kusama at the helm, expectations are high that the sequel will build upon the original’s inclusive legacy, offering complex, affirming portrayals of gender and sexuality while delivering the “fun and crazy” horror-comedy fans have come to love .

The return of Kusama and Cody to the franchise is notable. Kusama’s recent work on Showtime’s “Yellowjackets,” which has also been praised for its queer representation, underscores her ongoing commitment to inclusive storytelling. Diablo Cody, whose work on “Juno” and “Tully” has consistently foregrounded complex female characters, is similarly expected to bring depth and sharp commentary to the sequel .

As of now, the project has not yet been greenlit by 20th Century Studios, and no production timeline or release window has been announced. Still, the confirmation that a script is actively being developed is the strongest signal yet that ‘Jennifer’s Body 2’ may soon become a reality .

For now, fans and LGBTQ+ audiences alike await further updates, hopeful that the next chapter of ‘Jennifer’s Body’ will continue to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and affirm the experiences of all who have found themselves in its darkly humorous embrace.