Remedy Entertainment might be preparing a brand-new Alan Wake release. Just a few days ago, on September 15, 2026, the studio filed a fresh trademark application. This move suddenly brings the mysterious “Alan Wake’s Return” name back into the spotlight. Nearly a decade has passed since this title first surfaced. Following the massive success of ‘Alan Wake 2’ in 2023, Remedy continues to expand its wider connected universe. Now, this new leak gives fans a fresh reason to speculate.
Details of the Mysterious Trademark
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) recently received the new “Alan Wake’s Return” application. The official listing names Remedy Entertainment as the owner. Currently, the application, carrying the number 019422415, remains under examination.
Interestingly, this filing covers several broad entertainment categories. It explicitly includes video games, films, television production, and music. Furthermore, it protects audiobooks, comics, and online services. The previous 2016 filing actually expired earlier this September. Compared to that older trademark, this new application specifically adds printed books, guides, and clothing to the mix.
However, Remedy has not officially announced a new game or explained the filing’s exact purpose. Therefore, the application alone does not confirm ‘Alan Wake 3’ or any other specific project just yet.
A Look Back at the 2016 Speculation
Long-time fans will definitely remember this exact name. Remedy first registered “Alan Wake’s Return” back in 2016. Immediately, the trademark sparked heavy speculation about a standalone sequel. Ultimately, those rumors proved false.
Creative director Sam Lake later clarified the confusing situation. He explained that the name actually referred to a live-action, in-universe production featured inside their game ‘Quantum Break’. Back then, no future Alan Wake announcement tied into the trademark at all.
What Does This Mean for the ‘Alan Wake’ Franchise Today?
Today, the circumstances look completely different. Alan Wake 2 successfully revived the dormant series. In fact, it quickly became Remedy’s fastest-selling game. The hit title eventually surpassed two million copies sold while fully recouping its development and marketing investments. Consequently, Remedy now treats Alan Wake as a core flagship franchise alongside ‘Control’.
Moreover, the broad categories listed in the new filing leave many doors wide open. This distinction matters deeply because Remedy currently holds a major partnership with Annapurna Pictures. Together, they plan to expand the Alan Wake and Control franchises into film and television formats. Annapurna leads the adaptation efforts, while Remedy retains full ownership of the IP.
Therefore, this new filing could point toward a new video game. Alternatively, it might cover an upcoming film adaptation or a broader multimedia project. Of course, it could simply serve to provide broader protection for the name. For now, Remedy stays entirely silent on the matter. Nevertheless, the studio has clearly taken deliberate steps to protect one of its most mysterious properties, leaving the gaming community eagerly waiting for what comes next.
