Netflix is diving back into the treacherous waters of the Seine as production has officially begun on Under Paris 2
. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2024 French shark thriller is currently filming in the south of France, marking a significant expansion for one of the streaming giant’s most successful non-English language ventures.
The original film, Under Paris, became a global phenomenon upon its release, securing the best launch for a non-English language film on Netflix with more than 102.3 million views. This massive viewership has paved the way for a second installment that promises to escalate the stakes of the original’s mutated shark premise.
Whereas the first film focused on a scientist’s desperate attempt to prevent a bloodbath during a triathlon in the heart of Paris, the sequel shifts both its geography and its leadership. The new production is being helmed by director Alexandre Aja, who takes over the director’s chair from Xavier Gens, the writer and director of the first film.
A New Vision and a Shifting Timeline
The narrative of Under Paris 2
is set to take place three years after the cataclysmic events of the first movie. In the original story, the presence of mutated sharks in the River Seine led to a chain reaction that ultimately resulted in the flooding of the city. By jumping forward three years, the sequel allows Netflix to explore the aftermath of that disaster and the evolving threat of the creatures.
The transition to Alexandre Aja as director brings a new creative perspective to the franchise. Aja is well-known for his function in the horror and thriller genres, suggesting that the sequel may lean further into the tension and scale of the shark attacks. The move to the south of France for filming also indicates a departure from the urban confines of the capital, potentially introducing new environments for the mutated predators to inhabit.
Returning Cast and Key Players
Fans of the original will find familiarity in the returning cast. Bérénice Bejo and Nassim Lyes are confirmed to reprise their roles, ensuring a level of continuity as the story evolves. They are joined by a supporting ensemble that includes Guillaume Gouix, Phillippe Bas, Manon Bresch and Anne Marivin.
The return of these key actors is a strategic move by Netflix to maintain the emotional core of the series. Given the post-apocalyptic ending
of the first film, the return of these characters suggests that the sequel will address how survivors have adapted to a world where the waters are no longer safe.
Production Milestones and Performance
The decision to greenlight a sequel was driven largely by the unprecedented performance of the first installment. According to reporting from Variety, the original film’s launch was the most successful for any non-English language movie in the platform’s history. It also ranked as the second most popular non-English language film overall on the service.
This success represents a shift in Netflix’s content strategy. Historically, the platform has rarely franchised its original movies, with a few exceptions like the Lost Bullet trilogy. The development of Under Paris 2
signals a growing interest in building cinematic universes and recurring series within its international productions.
What to Expect from the Sequel
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the combination of a three-year time jump and a change in location suggests a broader scope. The original film’s climax involved the flooding of Paris, a high-concept disaster that leaves the door open for a world struggling with environmental instability and predatory mutations.
Industry analysts suggest that the shift to the south of France may provide a visual contrast to the grey, urban tones of the first film, potentially utilizing the Mediterranean coastline to heighten the scale of the shark encounters. With Alexandre Aja at the helm, the sequel is expected to maintain the visceral energy of the first film while expanding the mythology of the mutated sharks.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Production Status: Filming is currently underway in the south of France.
- Timeline: The story is set three years after the events of the first film.
- New Direction: Alexandre Aja has replaced Xavier Gens as director.
- Returning Stars: Bérénice Bejo and Nassim Lyes will return to their roles.
- Performance Legacy: The sequel follows a predecessor that garnered over 102.3 million views.
As production continues, Netflix has not yet announced an official release date. However, the confirmation of filming indicates that the project is moving swiftly through its production cycle. Further updates regarding the trailer and a premiere window are expected as the film enters the post-production phase.
Stay tuned for more updates on the return of these mutated predators. We would love to hear your thoughts—do you think the shark thriller genre can survive another bite, or was the first film a perfect standalone? Let us know in the comments below.