After the sci-fi military survival pic “War Machine” from Aussie writer/director Patrick Hughes (“The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Expendables 3”) made an impact as one of the more popular Netflix originals (reportedly said to have reached an impressive “139 million views” since it debuted on the streaming service back in March), unsurprisingly, the big-dog streamer yesterday announced that “War Machine 2” is now officially in development.
This sequel news first came from The Wrap, revealing that Hughes would be returning. The streaming service would confirm that with a social media post revealing that “War Machine 2” (possibly called “War Machines”) is now in early development and boasting that it has entered their all-time Top 10 of most popular films (unclear where it lands in that pecking order).
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Based on an original story idea hatched by Hughes, he co-wrote the script alongside James Beaufort. In the first installment, Ritchson plays a weathered and older-than-normal U.S. Rangers recruit dealing with PTSD who, during a training exercise with his unit, is confronted by a killer alien robot. The outlet is adding that star Alan Ritchson is back as a producer, although it’s it’s unclear whether he’ll be returning (there is a good chance he will).
“I’ve got an absolute banger. I’m excited. It’s f***ing big,” Hughes promised when chatting with the outlet while teasing his sequel ideas.
A basic logline for the last film via Netflix:
During the final stage of U.S. Army Ranger selection, an elite team’s training exercise turns into a fight for survival against an unimaginable threat.
The next film for Hughes will stick with the military genre and be based on true events, exploring the exploits of retired Navy SEAL Michael E. Thornton during the Vietnam War. That untitled pic sees the filmmaker reunite with Ritchson, with Joe Cole (“Peaky Blinders,” “Gangs of London”), Kyle Allen (“A House of Dynamite”), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Road,” “Power of the Dog”) also starring.
A sequel to War Machine is now in development!
— Netflix (@netflix) June 2, 2026
The military thriller is officially one of Netflix’s top 10 most popular movies of all time. pic.twitter.com/ZowkBbHK3t
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
- Christopher Marc
