Zach Cregger says Siren Head deserves its own film, meme or not

Zach Cregger, the Weapons director co-writing Warner Bros.’ Siren Head adaptation, told Deadline the viral creature’s story can stand on its own, addressing doubts about turning internet memes into major studio films.

TL;DR

• Zach Cregger tells Deadline the Siren Head story would interest him even without its meme origins.
• The Weapons filmmaker is co-writing the Warner Bros. horror project with director Brian Duffield.
• Siren Head, created by Trevor Henderson, triggered a five-studio bidding war in July 2026.
• Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot, out September 18, is confirmed for UK cinemas the same day.

Cregger pushes back on ‘chasing a trend’ criticism

Hollywood’s rush to adapt internet horror sensations has drawn scepticism, following breakout hits like Backrooms and Obsession. Speaking to Deadline, Zach Cregger rejected the idea that Siren Head was simply chasing viral fame.

He said the story he and his collaborators have is “super cool” regardless of its meme roots. Cregger added he would be interested in telling this story even if it had never gone viral online.

The comments came as Cregger discussed his upcoming Resident Evil reboot and his broader writing slate. He said finding a genuinely compelling story matters more than shoehorning hot intellectual property into cinemas.

Inside the Siren Head deal

Siren Head began as a 2018 creature design by artist Trevor Henderson, depicting a towering, skeletal figure with sirens for a head. The concept spread widely through fan animations, video games and YouTube horror content.

Warner Bros. won the film rights in July 2026 after a five-studio bidding war, beating out Sony, Universal, Paramount and Disney’s 20th Century Studios. Cregger is co-writing the screenplay with Brian Duffield, who directed No One Will Save You and is set to direct Siren Head himself.

Cregger will also produce alongside Roy Lee and Andrew Childs of Vertigo Entertainment, the company behind Weapons. Henderson will serve as executive producer on the project.

A UK box-office pedigree

Cregger’s pull with UK audiences is already well established. His last film, Weapons, was an 18-rated horror hit that drew strong crowds across British cinemas.

£8.85 million UK box office total for Weapons (2025) Source: WBD Entertainment Distribution

His next release, the Resident Evil reboot he wrote and directed, is confirmed for UK cinemas on September 18, the same day as its US debut. Sony Pictures Releasing is distributing the film worldwide.

What’s next for Cregger

Beyond Siren Head, Cregger confirmed he is developing a Weapons prequel centred on the character Gladys, a project he first teased at Comic-Con in July. Writer Zach Shields is now scripting that film after developing the story with Cregger.

No release date or start of production has been announced for Siren Head. Reportedly, Warner Bros. has yet to confirm casting or a target theatrical window.

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Reported from publicly available interviews and verified press sources. Last reviewed September 5, 2026.