Aunt Gladys

Aunt Gladys is a fictional character and the main antagonist of the supernatural mystery horror film Weapons (2025). She is set to return as the titular main protagonist of the upcoming prequel film, which is scheduled for a 2028 release. She is introduced as a mysterious woman who claims to be a relative of Alex Lilly's family and later is found to be responsible for the disappearance of seventeen children from Maybrook, Pennsylvania. The character was created by Zach Cregger and portrayed by Amy Madigan. Gladys appears as an elderly aunt who comes to visit her family, seeming frail and in need of help. She soon reveals herself to be cunning and manipulative. Using witchcraft, she saps the strength of those around her and forces them to obey, working her magic through personal items like hair or clothing even over great distances. Madigan's performance received widespread recognition during the awards season. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 98th Academy Awards, along with major industry honors and several critics' prizes, including from the New York Film Critics Circle, Boston Society of Film Critics, and London Film Critics' Circle. She also received nominations from major awards bodies.