Paramount Pictures is stepping into the Valentine’s Day-themed horror franchise, signing on to co-produce and co-finance “Heart Eyes 2.” The studio has set a release date of Feb. 11, 2028 — landing just three days before Valentine’s Day.
The original “Heart Eyes” was distributed by Sony Pictures, grossing $33 million at the global box office against an $18 million production budget in 2025. That near-double return is considered a solid performance for a mid-budget horror title.
New Partnership, Familiar Team
Spyglass Media, which co-produced and co-financed the first film, remains attached to the sequel. Paramount’s entry into the project signals growing studio confidence in the franchise’s commercial potential.
Director Josh Ruben returns to helm the follow-up. He will co-write the script alongside Darcy Fowler, based on a story by Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy. Landon and Divide/Conquer will also serve as producers.
Cast Status Remains Unclear
The original film starred Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding as co-workers mistakenly targeted by a serial killer who preys on couples on the most romantic holiday of the year. Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster rounded out the ensemble.
It has not been confirmed which cast members are returning for the sequel, and plot details have not been disclosed.
Critical Reception and Franchise Potential
“Heart Eyes” was not a box office blockbuster, but it earned genuine critical goodwill within the horror genre. Variety‘s Courtney Howard praised the film as a charming rom-com slasher that keeps audiences equally swooning and squirming.
Ruben himself spoke to the franchise’s long-term potential in a previous conversation with Variety.
“You could replicate the structure of any great rom-com — ‘Bridget Jones,’ ‘Love Actually’ — and drop the Heart Eyes Killer right into the center of that story, and have him flash and slash about,” Ruben said. “That’s what’s exciting about this.”
