Despite looking almost unrecognisable in the new role, Weapons fans are just realising that Aunt Gladys, the film’s villain, was in a classic movie from the 1980s.
Directed by Zach Cregger, the horror film tells the story of a local community as they deal with the mysterious overnight disappearance of a group of school children.
The movie stars Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, Amy Madigan, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, and June Diane Raphael.
However, it’s Amy Madigan’s role as the sickly Aunt Gladys that has stolen the show, leading fans to ponder where they might have seen her before.
Taking to social media, fans shared their delight at finally recognising Madigan from her previous role in the 1989 classic Uncle Buck as Chanice, the girlfriend to John Candy’s titular character.
Warner Bros.
Related: The 9 best horror movies of 2025 (so far) that will leave you shaken
“Just realized that’s [Chanice] from Uncle Buck. Can’t believe I never put that together. Haha,” penned one stunned Reddit user, while another said: “I [spat] out my water when I put this together!”
Sharing a side-by-side photo of Madigan in both roles, an amused X user said: “My reaction in the theater was through the roof when I realized Aunt Gladys was Chanice from Uncle Buck.”
“I can’t believe this was Uncle Buck’s GF Chanice. I’m still processing the flick overall but give her the statue in March,” one fan said.
THA/Shutterstock
One shocked viewer asked: “Gladys is Uncle Buck’s girlfriend!?” And another said: “Just Realized Uncle Buck’s girlfriend was Aunt [Gladys] in #WeaponsMovie.”
Weapons debuted with a score of 100% on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, though it has since fallen to an impressive 95% from 268 critic reviews.
Critics praised Madigan’s “scene-stealing” performance, calling her “an instant horror icon” and calling for her iconic performance to win awards.
Gilbert Flores//Getty Images
Related: Best streaming services
“The narrative structure affects the pacing, and the third act is messy, but the performances are undeniable particularly Amy Madigan. Seriously, give the woman an award,” penned The Film Maven.
“A brilliant premise brought vividly to life with sharp character work and a delectably scene‑stealing turn from Amy Madigan,” said Fish Jelly Films.
Beyond The Trailer said: “Madigan becomes an instant horror icon while Ehrenreich & Abrams give the film a lot of humor and heart. Very good theater experience.”
Weapons is out now in cinemas.
Digital Spy’s new print issue is here! Buy Oasis – Live in ’25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.
Deals that might interest you
Shop Sky TV, broadband and mobile deals
Richard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: Viking
Stranger Things Hellfire Club dice dangle charmCredit: Pandora
Shop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStation
Shop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark Bourdillon
Apple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+
Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck Zlotnick
The Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus Books
Death in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC Books
Reporter, Digital Spy
Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.Â
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.Â
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.