In a surprise announcement that’s already sending shockwaves through Hollywood and social media, Lionsgate has confirmed that Acrimony 2, the long-rumored sequel to Tyler Perry’s 2018 psychological thriller, is officially in development. The sequel promises to dive even deeper into the psyche of Melinda, the unforgettable character made iconic by Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson.
Titled Acrimony 2: Still Waters, the film reintroduces audiences to Melinda years after the violent and emotionally explosive ending of the first movie. But this time, she’s trading courtroom breakdowns and betrayal-filled flashbacks for a deceptively serene setting: a luxury couples retreat aboard a private ocean liner. Far from the chaos of her past, Melinda now appears calm, collected, and even inspirational—offering advice to struggling couples aboard a glamorous getaway cruise.
According to early details from Lionsgate, the film will blur the lines between healing and haunting. The official synopsis reads: “Melinda has mastered the art of appearing healed, offering counsel to broken couples aboard a glamorous ocean getaway. But beneath her calm lies a storm that never passed. When a couple’s toxic love mirrors her own tragic history, the line between observer and avenger begins to dissolve.”
Sources close to the production reveal that the sequel will explore deeper psychological themes, including emotional manipulation, grief masquerading as recovery, and the dangers of unresolved trauma. Tyler Perry, who is returning as writer and executive producer, described the sequel as “a slow-burning descent into the abyss of obsession—only this time, Melinda knows exactly what she’s doing.”
Taraji P. Henson is confirmed to reprise her role, and insiders say she has been heavily involved in shaping the script and tone of the film. “Melinda is one of the most complex roles I’ve ever played,” Henson said in a press statement. “And in this next chapter, we see her not just as a victim or villain, but as a woman who’s spent years reconstructing herself—only to realize some wounds don’t scar over; they fester.”
In a bold narrative twist, the story introduces a new couple whose toxic dynamic eerily resembles Melinda’s past relationship with her ex-husband, Robert (played by Lyriq Bent in the original). As Melinda begins to see shadows of her past repeating themselves, her guidance turns from compassionate to obsessive, and the retreat begins to unravel in unexpected ways.
Director Deon Taylor (Fatale, The Intruder) has been tapped to helm the project, promising a visual style that blends sleek luxury with psychological tension. The film will be set almost entirely aboard a high-end ocean liner, where the opulence of the surroundings stands in stark contrast to the emotional decay happening within.
Production is expected to begin later this year, with filming locations spanning the Caribbean and several onboard sets designed to mimic real cruise interiors. The creative team is also reportedly consulting mental health professionals to ensure a more authentic representation of emotional trauma and psychological relapse.
Fans of the original Acrimony have long speculated whether Melinda survived the climactic ending of the first film. Perry teased the answer in a recent interview: “Let’s just say still waters run deep—and some storms never die, they just change direction.”
Social media has erupted in excitement since the announcement, with the hashtag #Acrimony2 trending within minutes. Fans are already dissecting teaser art and early quotes, eager to see how Melinda’s character will evolve—or unravel—in this next chapter.
Acrimony 2: Still Waters is slated for a Spring 2025 theatrical release, with a streaming debut to follow later on Starz and other international platforms. If the first film was about heartbreak, the sequel promises to be about what happens when heartbreak learns to smile—and strike back.
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