Ready or Not’s ending was almost VERY different

November 18, 2024

As a fan who’s seen more than my fair share of horror movies, I can confidently say that Ready or Not is one of the best in recent years. The twist at the end was nothing short of breathtaking, and it’s fascinating to learn about the alternate ending that was almost reality.

The horror movie “Ready or Not” is now available on Netflix in both the UK and Ireland, offering many more viewers an opportunity to enjoy one of the top horror films from 2019.

The film centers around Grace, brilliantly portrayed by Samara Weaving, who experiences the most horrific wedding night imaginable. Regrettably, her in-laws opt to pursue her as part of an odd, generations-old tradition meant to safeguard their vast fortune.

A significant portion of its triumph can be attributed to its shocking, bloodstained conclusion; however, it’s interesting to note that the story might have concluded quite differently.

Huge spoilers await, so turn away now if you haven’t seen Ready or Not yet.

Ready or Not's ending was almost VERY different

Ready or Not ending explained

Before her wedding night, Grace remains unaware that joining the Le Domas family comes with a requirement: playing a game at midnight. Given their fortune stems from board games, it’s somewhat logical, albeit intriguing.

In this scenario, Grace selects a card from their magical collection, but alas, it reveals an unlucky choice – hide and seek, a game with potentially disastrous outcomes for her.

It seems that, in past times, Victor Le Domas entered into an agreement with a rather enigmatic individual known as Mr Le Bail. This pact stipulated that if the Le Domas family upheld a certain tradition, they would be granted immense prosperity. In essence, he functioned as a figure reminiscent of the Devil.

Ready or Not's ending was almost VERY different

In the game of hide and seek, the Le Domas family must perform a sacrifice for Le Bail prior to sunrise; failing to do so could result in dire penalties.

Despite numerous efforts to end her life, Grace miraculously perseveres until dawn. At first, it seems like the entire ordeal was pointless, a mere legend. However, this notion quickly changes when each member of the Le Domas family meets an incredibly violent and gory end.

Man, I never saw that ending coming! It was totally mind-blowing and had me on the edge of my seat, especially seeing Grace’s priceless, dazed response. What a rollercoaster ride!

That wasn’t the original plan, though.

Ready or Not's ending was almost VERY different

Similar to how Get Out transitioned from a more somber finale to an audience-favorite ending, Ready or Not followed suit with a similar change.

Initially, the ending of the script was far more grim when we first received it, as executive producer Chad Villella explained to Bloody Disgusting. Originally, Alex, Grace’s husband, was depicted as killing her, and the Le Domas family escaped unpunished for their actions.

The ending would be incredibly disappointing, considering how strongly we’ve cheered for Grace throughout the film. It’s hard to imagine wanting to watch it again, knowing that all her struggle to survive would ultimately amount to nothing.

Ready or Not's ending was almost VERY different

And, weirdly, you’ve got US President-elect Donald Trump to thank for the ending being changed.

Back in August 2019, I recollected that when our team first became connected to this project’s script, it was during Obama’s presidency. Interestingly enough, just the day after Trump took office, we started working with Fox Searchlight on it.

The longing for something ominous subsided. It felt as though we were already immersed in it in our daily lives. Watching it on the big screen seems unnecessary. Instead, let’s find a more therapeutic alternative.

Co-Director Tyler Gillett stated: “There was no question that one version of the film left audiences exiting with joy, while another had viewers departing with a sense of shared anxiety that mirrors what we feel in our everyday lives.

Ready or Not's ending was almost VERY different

Not just the final modification, but also the wise choice to exclude an initial segment featuring Grace, initially planned for their work.

According to Villella, two individuals entered the Le Bail conference, surrounded by what he described as a crowd of affluent individuals, implying that it wasn’t just the Le Domas family who were involved in this specific deal with the devil.

However, omitting that part might lessen the impact of the climactic scene, where Grace encounters the police at the mansion, leaving them puzzled about the extraordinary events.

Her reply is up there with the best final scenes of 2019: “In-laws.”

Ready or Not is available to watch now on Netflix and Disney+ in the UK and Ireland.

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2024-11-18 15:49