Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar has signed on to reprise her role — albeit briefly — in the horror sequel ’’The Grudge 2.’’

Gellar will return to pass the supernatural curse — introduced in the first installation — on to the franchise’s next lead victim, an actor to be cast soon. Director Takashi Shimizu, writer Stephen Susco and producers Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert and Taka Ichise also are on board for the sequel.

’’The union of Sarah’s innocent girl-next-door persona and Shimizu’s twisted Eastern perspective should spawn another original and terrifying tale for the audience,’’ Raimi said.

’’Grudge 2’’ is set to begin shooting in Tokyo next month, with an October release planned. The first film was a surprise hit, grossing more than $110 million domestically.

Gellar, whose credits include ’’Cruel Intentions’’ and the TV series ’’Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’’ recently wrapped Richard Kelly’s post-apocalyptic indie ’’Southland Tales.’’