Mike Flanagan reveals 'Haunting of Bly Manor' is still on course for release this year

Mike Flanagan has confirmed that Netflix’s follow-up to The Haunting of Hill House is set to debut later this year as planned, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The Doctor Sleep filmmaker previously confirmed that The Haunting of Bly Manor had finished shooting before global production was forced to cease for safety reasons.

He has now told the ReelBlend Podcast that the production “didn’t really miss a step” and has been pressing ahead with the editing process during the shutdown.

Read more: Haunting of Hill House cast reveal one-take secrets

"I think Netflix, they haven't announced when it's coming out,” said Flanagan. “They've got their own plan.”

He added: “But we've been jamming through post. It's been going great.

“It's definitely later this year. It's not going to get kicked off into 2021, or anything. Everything’s on schedule."

Read more: Oliver Jackson-Cohen teases Bly Manor

Bly Manor is set to adapt the classic Henry James novella The Turn of the Screw, which has previously inspired movies including the 1961 horror classic The Innocents and this year’s critically maligned The Turning.

Flanagan has teased, however, that other James stories will be worked into the narrative.

The Haunting of Hill House, meanwhile, was an adaptation of the 1959 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson.

Flanagan directed all 10 episodes of the first season, but has brought in other filmmakers to helm episodes of The Haunting of Bly Manor.

The team for the season will include Cargo directors Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling, Ciarán Foy (Sinister 2), prolific short film helmer Liam Gavin and actor-turned-filmmaker Axelle Carolyn.

Read more: Flanagan on King and Kubrick estate loving Doctor Sleep

Lead cast members Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Victoria Pedretti are returning to the show, but will be playing completely different characters.

The Haunting of Bly Manor does not yet have a confirmed release date, but it is likely to be close to Halloween.