How War Machine 2 Could Give Alan Ritchson The Sci-Fi Action Movie Franchise He Deserves

by

Okay, so I just finished watching War Machine on Netflix, and wow! Alan Ritchson is fantastic as this unnamed Sergeant—they call him Staff Sergeant 81—who’s working incredibly hard to become an Army Ranger. The training sequences are intense, but just when he’s about to finish everything, an alien robot attacks! It’s a really cool movie, and honestly, I’m hoping this is the first of many—it feels like it could be a whole new franchise for Alan Ritchson and Netflix.

War Machine is a fun and accessible movie that blends action, science fiction, and war themes, making it a great choice for streaming. It’s also been very popular, quickly reaching the No. 1 spot on Netflix charts after its release. Strong viewership and positive feedback from both critics and audiences suggest that this project from Lionsgate and Netflix could become a successful franchise.

Although a second War Machine movie hasn’t been confirmed yet, the positive response to the first film suggests it’s a real possibility. Actor Alan Ritchson might be starting a big new action series, and there’s already a sense of where the story could go next.

How War Machine’s Ending Sets Up A Sequel

After Ritchson’s character, 81, destroys an alien machine and rescues the last survivor on his team, the movie War Machine could have easily ended. Instead, it deliberately hinted at a continuation, and now seems to be building towards a sequel that feels almost inevitable.

The ending of War Machine sets up the next installment with some major revelations. Most importantly, it confirms the attack on 81 and his team wasn’t a one-time event. These alien machines have been crashing all over the globe, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. And the situation is getting worse, as even more – tens of thousands – of these dangerous robots are headed our way.

Although Earth successfully defended against the initial attack, this was only the first step in a much larger conflict between humanity and the creators of the giant machines. That’s why 81’s discovery of a way to destroy one of the robots is so important. He and others now have a better understanding of how to defeat the machines in the next, larger wave of attacks, which will be critical as more robots arrive.

To prepare for a potential War Machine 2, the film ends with 81 gearing up to rejoin the battle. He refuses to stay sidelined while humanity fights off the alien invasion. Ritchson’s character, a Ranger whose name hasn’t been revealed, has become a key leader in the fight against the machines, inspiring his fellow Rangers with a powerful speech before they head into combat.

I’m really hoping we get to see 81 back in action! The end of War Machine definitely hinted at him returning to the fight, but that’s only going to happen if Netflix and Lionsgate decide to make a War Machine 2. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

War Machine 2 Is Already Planned Out

Ben King/Netflix

While we’re still waiting for official confirmation of a War Machine sequel, there’s some encouraging news: early ideas have already been explored. Although the studio hasn’t officially asked writer-director Patrick Hughes to start working on a follow-up, he and star Joe Ritchson have been talking and planning what could happen with the character of 81.

During a recent interview with ScreenRant, the star and director revealed they’ve already started planning a potential sequel to War Machine. While the first film was designed as a complete story on its own, the director explained that he has a clear vision for where a follow-up could go, and has even outlined some ideas. He indicated he’s prepared to continue the story if given the chance.

As a writer, it’s hard not to consider returning to the story. I really connected with the character of 81 and the world he inhabits. So, if I were asked to continue, I’d definitely be on board.

Don Johnson Ritchson shared some exciting hints about the plans for War Machine 2. Calling the potential series War Machines, Ritchson said he and director Bart Hughes have many ideas for future movies. He confidently stated that War Machine 2 will be amazing, and playfully suggested they could even make up to eight sequels.

It’s obvious Ritchson and Hughes are really enthusiastic about the possibility of more War Machine movies. They’ve already started planning a sequel, so if it gets approved, the script could come together quickly. This is encouraging, as it could mean fans get the next installment much faster than usual for a Hollywood production.

It looks like War Machine 2 is planned to be a much more ambitious project, so Netflix and Lionsgate will probably need to increase their financial investment.

What War Machine 2 Could Be About & What Cast Could Return

Although we don’t know the exact plot of War Machine 2, it’s likely the story will follow 81 as he continues fighting the machines. The sequel could either begin immediately after the first film’s ending, or jump ahead in time to show a dramatically altered Earth and war situation.

A sequel to War Machine 2 could likely delve deeper into the origins and motivations of the alien robots. Exploring questions like why they arrived on Earth, their goals, and where they come from would be a natural progression. As we learn more about the robots, it would also be fitting to uncover more of 81’s personal history.

If a sequel to War Machine is made, Joe Ritchson will definitely reprise his leading role. Though the story could potentially explore other parts of the machine’s attack through spin-offs, a true sequel needs to continue 81’s story, meaning Ritchson’s return is essential to satisfy audiences.

Aside from the main actor, not many people from the War Machine movie could return for another story. Dennis Quaid, who played Sergeant Major Sheridan, and Esai Morales as First Sergeant Torres, both fit well as established Army leaders who could interact with 81 and other Rangers. Also, Stephan James’ character, Staff Sergeant 7, survives the movie but is injured. If the story jumps forward in time, it’s possible 7 could fight alongside 81 again.

Jai Courtney might also return as 81’s brother. The first movie shows him seemingly killed in Afghanistan, with 81 being told he died nearby. However, Ritchson’s character insists he was still alive when last seen. So, it’s possible 81’s brother survived and could reappear in War Machine 2.

Given how much more the story could explore, it seems likely Netflix and Lionsgate will eventually announce a sequel to War Machine. It would be a great opportunity to give Mike Ritchson a leading role in a successful action series, which he truly deserves.

Read More

2026-03-11 19:12