Universal is rolling out “Nobody 2” this weekend, the sequel to the 2021 pandemic-era hit “Nobody,” with Bob Odenkirk returning as Hutch Mansell, the mild-mannered dad with a very particular set of skills.
The studio is targeting a $10–12M debut from 3,200 theaters across North America. Then again, that’s a step up from the first film, which opened to $6.8M at a time when theaters were just beginning to reopen after COVID.
“Nobody” went on to earn $27M domestically and $57M worldwide. It was its strong performance on premium VOD platforms that ultimately greenlit the sequel, and there’s little reason to think “Nobody 2” won’t also perform well digitally.
If “Nobody 2,” which I decided to skip last night, follows the blueprint of the original, it will likely be the kind of film that draws a home audience eager to see it. Even better, the sequel was produced for a modest $25M, only slightly above the first film’s $16M budget.
The review embargo has lifted, and Nobody 2 currently holds a 58 on Metacritic and 85%·Rotten Tomatoes. This further highlights the divide between the two aggregates—one populated by bloggers and YouTubers, the other more aligned with traditional press. The original had received strong critical notice, earning 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and solid audience scores (7.4/10 on IMDb).
That said, “Nobody 2” isn’t expected to challenge the current box office champion, “Weapons,” which could pull in around $25M this weekend—a stronger-than-average hold for a horror release. It might even finish in third place behind “Freakier Friday,” which is forecasted to have a respectable $12M second weekend.
“Nobody 2” is directed by Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto, known for his work on “The Night Comes for Us,” the sequel continues Hutch’s journey as a former assassin pulled back into violence when his family is threatened during a vacation.
The sequel expands its cast with notable additions. Sharon Stone steps into the role of the main antagonist, a crime boss named Lendina, described as an “alpha female.” Returning cast members include Connie Nielsen as Hutch’s wife Becca, Christopher Lloyd as his father David, and RZA as his brother. Newcomers such as Colin Hanks, John Ortiz, and McKenna Grace complete the ensemble.
Edward Berger seems to have settled on what comes next. His Lance Armstrong biopic, starring Austin Butler, is now holding casting calls, with production eyed for January.