Happy Death Day 2U is a 2019 American science fiction black comedy slasher film directed and written by Christopher Landon. It serves as a sequel to the 2017 film Happy Death Day and continues the story of Tree Gelbman, portrayed by Jessica Rothe. The film was released on February 13, 2019, and features returning cast members, including Israel Broussard as Carter Davis and introduces new characters played by Suraj Sharma and Sarah Yarkin.
The plot picks up shortly after the events of the first film, with Tree discovering that she is once again trapped in a time loop. However, this time, the circumstances are different as she finds herself in a parallel universe where various elements of her life have changed. Her boyfriend Carter is now dating someone else, and she must navigate this altered reality while confronting a new killer who threatens not only her life but also the lives of her friends. To escape the loop and save them, Tree must die repeatedly once more to uncover the truth behind the new threat.
Happy Death Day 2U received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Jessica Rothe's performance and the film's shift towards a more sci-fi tone compared to its predecessor. While some noted that it lacked the freshness of the original, others appreciated its creativity and character development. The film grossed approximately $64.6 million worldwide against a budget of $9 million, marking it as a commercial success.
The film's unique blend of genres—combining elements of horror, comedy, and science fiction—allows it to stand out in the realm of sequels. Critics noted that while it retains some slasher elements, it expands on the narrative by introducing new concepts related to time travel and alternate realities. This shift has led to discussions about its potential for further sequels or spin-offs.
Overall, Happy Death Day 2U builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor while taking bold risks in storytelling and genre exploration, making it a noteworthy addition to contemporary horror-comedy cinema.