Josh Malerman, an author celebrated for his post-apocalyptic narratives, is excited about revisiting the unsettling world he introduced in his previous works. He has expressed a strong desire to expand on the universe where remaining unseen is a matter of survival, as the sights of that realm can have devastating effects on those who encounter them.

Over the years, Malerman has built a reputation with a range of novels that include not only his renowned work, Bird Box, but also its companion story, Malorie, as well as titles like Incidents Around the House, Pearl, Daphne, and his latest offering, Pictures of You. His literary journey spans many creative explorations, yet it is this distinctive apocalyptic setting that continues to capture his imagination.

During a recent conversation at a gaming convention event, Celsius 232, he shared his aspiration for an even grander continuation of that narrative. He envisions a third installment that diverges from the relatively concise format of his earlier works, imagining instead an expansive narrative stretching to a thousand-plus pages. For him, creating this voluminous epic is a natural extension of his passion for exploring the life of his central character, who has long been a trusted companion throughout his career.

His special connection to this character is evident as he reflects on his writing path—Bird Box was the breakthrough that brought his work to a broader audience after many years of creativity. The emotional resonance of these stories grew even stronger when the narrative world was adapted for the big screen, marking a milestone in his career.

The cinematic adaptation, featuring a celebrated lead who evokes timeless elegance on screen, left a significant impression on him. He described the experience as a career highlight, noting that the visual translation of his work was incredibly meaningful. Despite his deep satisfaction with the film, he mentioned that one alteration he would consider involves enforcing stricter safety measures for the characters’ means of protection in that highly hazardous environment.

Key highlights of Malerman’s literary repertoire include:

• Bird Box
• Malorie
• Incidents Around the House
• Pearl
• Daphne
• Pictures of You

For anyone eager to delve further into his creative process and future plans, additional insights are available in the complete interview.