Coralie Fargeat, the director of The Substance, has confirmed there won’t be a follow-up to the hit horror movie. Released in 2024, the film tells the story of a fading TV star who gets fired from her aerobics show.
She then finds a mysterious drug that transforms her into a younger version of herself. The Substance became a big success, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. It also received five Golden Globe nominations, including one for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
At the Palm Springs International Film Festival, during Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch, Coralie Fargeat shared that she has no plans for a sequel or prequel to The Substance. She explained, “No sequels, no prequels,” adding that this idea ties into the movie’s original theme. You can see her full response in the video and quote below.
This movie is all about introducing something new and original, there won’t be any sequels or prequels. I’m excited to create something fresh and different in the near future.”
Fargeat explained
While sequels often dominate Hollywood, Fargeat has chosen a different path. She aims to create fresh, original stories that can captivate audiences, just like The Substance. The film explored themes like obsession, identity, and power, ending with an open finale that sparked debates among viewers.
Fargeat’s decision highlights the importance of leaving some stories complete. Although fans hoping for a sequel might feel disappointed, she hints at an exciting new project with an original idea coming soon.

Fargeat is staying true to her reputation as a filmmaker who loves creating bold and fresh stories. By choosing not to make a sequel or prequel to The Substance, she shows her commitment to exploring new ideas and pushing creative boundaries.
This decision has fans excited for her next project, which they hope will be just as unique and powerful as her breakout hit. Fargeat’s focus on originality could cement her place as one of the most exciting directors in modern filmmaking.
Many fans would have loved a sequel to The Substance, but the director chose to keep the story as a single, complete film. This decision shows how much care and thought went into making the movie. By not giving in to the pressure to turn it into a series, Fargeat is focusing on creating stories that are as special and memorable as The Substance. Her choice also sparks a bigger conversation in the film world about finding the right balance between making popular movies and staying true to creative ideas.