Fans of superhero movies have always been treated to larger-than-life stories, but the 2019 release of Brightburn took the genre in a completely different direction. This movie blended horror and superhero elements in a way we hadn’t seen before. Many have been eagerly waiting for news about a possible Brightburn 2. The excitement surrounding Brightburn 2 has only grown, and it’s time we dive deep into everything we know about the anticipated sequel.
The Success of the First Brightburn
Before jumping into Brightburn 2, let’s examine what made the original movie stand out. Brightburn was released in 2019 and was directed by David Yarovesky. It was produced by James Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, which gave fans high hopes. The film takes the basic concept of Superman’s origin story but twists it into a nightmarish tale of what happens when a child with superpowers turns evil.
With a modest budget of $6-12 million, Brightburn managed to gross over $32 million worldwide, making it a commercial success. The movie also gained a cult following for its unique blend of horror and superhero tropes, and it left audiences with one burning question: Will there be a Brightburn 2?
The Storyline: Where Could Brightburn 2 Go?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Brightburn 2 is the direction the story might take. The first film left audiences on the edge of their seats as we watched Brandon Breyer, the young boy with terrifying powers, fully embrace his dark side.
In the sequel, we can expect several possible story arcs:
- Brandon’s Rise to Power: At the end of Brightburn, Brandon is seen wreaking havoc on Earth, with news reports hinting at more destruction on the horizon. Brightburn 2 could focus on Brandon taking over the world, showcasing his reign of terror.
- Other Supervillains: The credits scene in Brightburn teased the existence of other superpowered beings who might also be malevolent. Could Brightburn 2 introduce a team of evil counterparts to traditional superheroes, forming a “dark league”?
- A Hero’s Response: Could a hero—or a group of heroes—be introduced in Brightburn 2 to stop Brandon? While the first film was entirely focused on the villain’s perspective, the sequel could provide a glimmer of hope through the emergence of a hero.
Brightburn 2 promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats regardless of direction.
The Cast: Who’s Coming Back for Brightburn 2?
The cast of Brightburn was one of its strong points, and it’s safe to assume that some familiar faces will return for Brightburn 2. Here’s what we can expect in terms of casting:
- Jackson A. Dunn as Brandon Breyer: Since Brandon is the central figure in the story, Jackson A. Dunn will almost reprise his role as the terrifyingly powerful Brandon.
- Elizabeth Banks as Tori Breyer: Brandon’s mother, Tori, met a tragic end in the first film. However, Brightburn 2 could include flashbacks or dream sequences allowing Elizabeth Banks to return.
- David Denman as Kyle Breyer: Like Tori, Kyle Breyer’s character may appear in a flashback, but it’s unlikely he will play a significant role in the sequel.
As for new faces, we may see new actors portraying supervillains or heroes introduced in Brightburn 2.
The Villainous Potential of Brandon Breyer
Brandon Breyer’s character is what made Brightburn such a unique movie. Unlike other villains in the superhero genre, who are often motivated by revenge, jealousy, or personal tragedy, Brandon’s evil seems to stem purely from an uncontrollable dark force.
In Brightburn 2, this potential could be fully realized. Brandon could take his destruction to a global scale with his unchecked powers. He has already proven more powerful than any human, so what’s stopping him from conquering the world?
- His Powers:
- Super strength
- Invulnerability
- Flight
- Heat vision
These abilities make Brandon virtually unstoppable. Brightburn 2 might delve deeper into his origins, explaining why he was sent to Earth and whether there’s a way to stop him. Fans are eager to learn more about the sinister force driving him.
The Themes of Brightburn 2
Brightburn 2 will likely explore several dark and complex themes like its predecessor. The first film raised unsettling questions about nature vs. nurture, power, and morality. Expect these themes to return, possibly with even more intensity:
- Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely: Brightburn showed us the dangers of unchecked power in the hands of a child. In Brightburn 2, we could see what happens when that child becomes an unstoppable force.
- Morality in a Superpowered World: The world of Brightburn doesn’t have a Superman to protect humanity. Instead, it has a being who is the antithesis of everything a hero should be. What does morality look like in this world, and can anyone stand against evil?
The Release Date: When Can We Expect Brightburn 2?
There has been no official announcement regarding Brightburn 2’s release date. However, given the buzz surrounding the sequel and the success of the first film, it’s likely that production will begin sooner rather than later.
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed many productions, but Brightburn 2 will hit theatres in the next few years as the film industry gets back on track.
Why Fans Are Excited for Brightburn 2
Brightburn’s unique concept has created a loyal fanbase eager for more. But what exactly has people so excited about Brightburn 2?
- A Dark Twist on the Superhero Genre: Superhero films are everywhere, but Brightburn offered something fresh by turning the genre on its head. Fans want more of this darker, horror-tinged take on superpowered beings.
- Exploring a Villain’s Perspective: Most superhero films focus on the hero’s journey. Brightburn was different by centring the story on a villain, and fans are eager to see more of Brandon’s journey in Brightburn 2.
- Expanding the Universe: With hints of other supervillains, Brightburn 2 could introduce a larger universe of evil beings, creating the potential for an even more terrifying and expansive story.
What Critics Are Saying About a Sequel
Critics had mixed reactions to Brightburn when it was first released. Some praised the film for its fresh take on the superhero genre, while others felt it needed to explore its intriguing premise fully. That said, many agree that Brightburn 2 has the potential to correct these shortcomings and deliver an even more thrilling experience.
Critics hope that a sequel will delve deeper into the world-building hinted at in the first film, offering more backstory and explanations about Brandon’s origins and place in a larger universe.
Table: Potential Plot Directions for Brightburn 2
Plot DirectionDescription
Brandon’s Rise to Power Focus on Brandon expanding his control over Earth and spreading terror globally.
Introduction of Other Villains Explore the existence of other superpowered villains hinted at in the first film.
The Emergence of Heroes Introduce heroes or a resistance force attempting to stop Brandon’s reign of terror.
Exploration of Brandon’s Origins Provides more backstory about Brandon’s extraterrestrial origins and mission on Earth.
Conclusion: The Future of Brightburn 2
The anticipation for Brightburn 2 is palpable. Fans are eager to see what direction the story will take, whether it delves further into Brandon’s destructive power or introduces new characters. One thing is sure: Brightburn 2 will offer a fresh, terrifying, and thrilling experience for horror and superhero fans.
