The Netflix original film “How It Ends” left audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering about the fate of the characters and the future of humanity. The movie’s cliffhanger ending sparked a flurry of discussions and speculations about the possibility of a sequel. As fans eagerly wait for an update, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will there be a “How It Ends 2”?
The Original Film’s Success and Impact
“How It Ends” was released on Netflix in July 2018, starring Theo James, Forest Whitaker, and Kat Graham. The post-apocalyptic thriller followed the story of Will, a young man, as he embarks on a perilous journey to find his pregnant girlfriend, Samantha, amidst a mysterious catastrophe that is destroying the world. The movie’s blend of action, suspense, and emotional drama resonated with audiences, making it a surprise hit.
The film’s success can be attributed to its well-executed storyline, strong performances, and the eerie atmosphere that kept viewers engaged. The apocalyptic genre has always been popular, and “How It Ends” capitalized on this trend, offering a fresh take on the classic theme. The movie’s ratings and reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its originality and the way it tackled complex themes like love, loss, and survival.
The Cliffhanger Ending: What Happened to Will and Samantha?
One of the most-discussed aspects of “How It Ends” is its cliffhanger ending. The final scene shows Will and Samantha, along with a small group of survivors, escaping the apocalyptic disaster in a small plane. However, as they fly away from the destruction, the camera pans out to reveal a massive ash cloud engulfing the entire region, leaving the audience wondering if they will survive.
The ending raised more questions than it answered, sparking a heated debate among fans about the fate of the characters. Will they find a safe haven? Will they succumb to the disaster? The uncertainty has left many eager for a sequel that will provide closure and resolution.
Rumors and Speculations About the Sequel
Since the release of the original film, there have been rumors and speculations about a potential sequel. While there has been no official announcement from Netflix or the filmmakers, several factors suggest that a sequel might be in the works.
In an interview, the film’s writer, Brooks McLaren, hinted at the possibility of a sequel, stating, “I think there’s definitely more story to be told.” He also expressed his enthusiasm for exploring the characters’ journey further, adding, “I would love to see what happens to Will and Samantha next.”
Additionally, the film’s director, David M. Rosenthal, has expressed interest in revisiting the world of “How It Ends.” In an interview, he mentioned that he would be open to directing a sequel if the story is “compelling” and “worthy” of the original.
While these statements are not conclusive, they do suggest that the creators are open to the idea of a sequel. Furthermore, the film’s success and the audience’s demand for more make a strong case for Netflix to greenlight a sequel.
Possible Plot Directions for the Sequel
If a sequel is indeed in the works, there are several directions the story could take. Here are a few possibilities:
- The Search for a New Home: The sequel could follow Will and Samantha as they search for a safe haven, a place where they can start anew and rebuild their lives. This could lead to encounters with other survivors, new alliances, and conflicts.
- The Cause of the Apocalypse: The original film left the cause of the catastrophe ambiguous. A sequel could delve deeper into the mystery, exploring the reasons behind the disaster and the consequences of humanity’s actions.
- The Aftermath and Reconstruction: The sequel could jump forward in time, showing the aftermath of the apocalypse and the efforts of the survivors to rebuild their communities and societies.
These are just a few possibilities, and the actual direction of the sequel, if it happens, could be entirely different. However, one thing is certain – the audience is eager to find out what happens next.
The State of the Apocalyptic Genre in Film and TV
The apocalyptic genre has been a staple of popular culture for decades, with films and TV shows like “The Road Warrior,” “The Walking Dead,” and “The 100” captivating audiences worldwide. In recent years, the genre has seen a resurgence, with films like “A Quiet Place” and “Bird Box” achieving critical and commercial success.
The reason for the genre’s enduring popularity is twofold. Firstly, apocalyptic stories often serve as a commentary on contemporary issues, such as climate change, social inequality, and the breakdown of society. They provide a platform for creators to explore complex themes and ideas.
Secondly, the apocalyptic genre taps into our deep-seated fears and anxieties. It allows us to confront and process our emotions in a safe and controlled environment. The thrill and suspense of these stories are undeniable, making them a staple of modern entertainment.
The Competition and Inspiration for a Potential Sequel
If a sequel to “How It Ends” is made, it will face stiff competition from other apocalyptic films and TV shows. The genre is overcrowded, and to stand out, the sequel will need to offer something unique and innovative.
However, this competition can also be a blessing in disguise. The success of other apocalyptic stories can inspire and inform the creators of “How It Ends 2.” They can draw from the strengths of these stories, incorporating new ideas and elements to create a fresh and compelling narrative.
| Apocalyptic Film/TV Show | Release Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| The Road | 2009 | Post-Apocalyptic Drama |
| The 100 | 2014 | Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi |
| A Quiet Place | 2018 | Horror Thriller |
| Bird Box | 2018 | Post-Apocalyptic Thriller |
The Verdict: Will There Be a ‘How It Ends 2’?
While there has been no official announcement, the signs suggest that a sequel to “How It Ends” is possible. The film’s success, the creators’ enthusiasm, and the audience’s demand for more all point to a potential sequel.
The apocalyptic genre is more popular than ever, and Netflix, with its reputation for producing high-quality original content, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. If they do decide to greenlight a sequel, it will need to offer something new and innovative to stand out from the competition.
One thing is certain – the fans are eagerly waiting for an update, and if a sequel is made, it will be met with excitement and anticipation. Will it happen? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the world of “How It Ends” is too rich and compelling to be left untouched.
As the fate of Will and Samantha hangs in the balance, we can only hope that the creators will give us the closure we deserve. The world of “How It Ends” is full of possibilities, and we can only hope that Netflix will give us the chance to explore it further.
Will there be a sequel to How It Ends?
There has been no official announcement from Netflix or the filmmakers regarding a sequel to How It Ends. However, considering the cliffhanger ending of the first film and the audience’s interest in knowing what happens next, it’s possible that the streaming giant might greenlight a sequel in the future.
The film’s director, David M. Rosenthal, has expressed his interest in exploring more stories in the same universe, and the cast, including Theo James and Forest Whitaker, have also stated their willingness to return for a potential sequel. While there’s no concrete plan in place, the possibility of a sequel can’t be ruled out entirely.
What can fans expect from a potential How It Ends 2?
If a sequel to How It Ends is made, fans can expect to see more of the same post-apocalyptic action and suspense that made the first film so thrilling. The story would likely pick up where the first film left off, with Will Young (Theo James) and Tom Sutherland (Forest Whitaker) trying to find a way to survive in a world that’s rapidly falling apart.
The sequel could delve deeper into the mystery of the apocalypse, exploring the causes and consequences of the catastrophic event that triggered the end of the world. The film might also introduce new characters and plot twists, while maintaining the same level of intensity and emotion that made the original film so compelling.
Will the same cast return for How It Ends 2?
As mentioned earlier, both Theo James and Forest Whitaker have expressed their interest in returning for a potential sequel. The same can be said for other cast members, including Kat Graham and Grace Dove. However, it’s worth noting that the availability of the cast and their schedules would play a significant role in determining who returns for the sequel.
If the sequel does happen, it’s likely that the core cast members would reprise their roles, with some new additions to the cast to shake things up. The chemistry between the leads was a major factor in the first film’s success, and it would be crucial to maintain that chemistry in a potential sequel.
What’s the current status of the How It Ends sequel?
As of now, there’s no official update on the status of a How It Ends sequel. Netflix has not made any announcements, and the filmmakers have not provided any concrete timeline for the film’s development.
It’s possible that the project is still in the scripting phase, or it might be on hold due to various reasons. Fans can only keep their fingers crossed and hope that an official announcement is made soon, providing more clarity on the future of the franchise.
Can fans influence the decision to make a How It Ends 2?
Fan support and enthusiasm can play a significant role in influencing the decision to greenlight a sequel. If fans continue to express their interest in a sequel, it might catch the attention of Netflix and the filmmakers, motivating them to move forward with the project.
Fans can show their support by sharing their thoughts and opinions on social media, signing petitions, and engaging in online discussions. While there are no guarantees, fan enthusiasm can certainly contribute to the possibility of a sequel being made.
Are there any other post-apocalyptic films or series in the works?
Yes, there are several post-apocalyptic films and series in various stages of development. Some of the most notable ones include the upcoming adaptation of The Passage, a post-apocalyptic horror series based on the novel by Justin Cronin, and the sequel to the 2019 film, Bird Box.
Other projects in development include a film adaptation of the popular video game, The Last of Us, and a TV series based on the novel, Station Eleven. These projects demonstrate the continued interest in the post-apocalyptic genre, and fans of How It Ends might find something to look forward to in these upcoming releases.
Will the sequel follow the same storyline as the first film?
It’s difficult to say whether the sequel would follow the same storyline as the first film, as the cliffhanger ending of How It Ends left many questions unanswered. The sequel would likely explore new themes and plot threads, while maintaining the core elements that made the first film so compelling.
The filmmakers might choose to introduce new characters and storylines, while still honoring the spirit of the original film. The post-apocalyptic genre offers a lot of scope for exploration, and the sequel could take the story in a completely new direction, while still retaining the essence of the first film.