Filmmaker Xavier Gens is diving back into the depths of post-apocalyptic Paris with a sequel to his breakout Netflix hit Under Paris. The original French shark thriller, which premiered in June 2023, made waves as the second most-watched non-English film on the platform, racking up over 102.3 million views. Now, Gens is plotting a new underwater adventure that promises to expand on the world of submerged Paris, as confirmed by Variety.
While the first film’s dramatic conclusion didn’t leave much room for a sequel narratively, its global success and critical acclaim have paved the way for a return to the flooded City of Light. Key cast members are expected to reprise their roles—at least those who avoided becoming shark bait. Among them, Oscar-nominated actress Bérénice Bejo (The Artist) will return as a grieving activist, alongside Nassim Lyes (Mayhem!) as a determined cop. Bejo recently revealed in an interview with La Tribune that production on the sequel is slated to begin in September 2025, though sources close to the project suggest filming could extend into 2026.
Released in the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Under Paris struck a chord with its satirical edge, taking aim at political and environmental controversies. The story followed a group of triathletes meeting a gruesome fate in the Seine during an Olympic swimming race, highlighting safety concerns brushed aside for the sake of publicity and economic gain. The sequel is rumored to explore darker genre elements, with potential scenes set in Paris’ iconic Catacombs and a city submerged entirely underwater.
Gens, who has cited Don’t Look Up as an inspiration, has hinted that the follow-up may come with a larger budget, building on the €15-€20 million ($16-$21 million) allocated for the original film. With Netflix backing the project and international audiences embracing French genre cinema, the sequel is poised to push creative boundaries even further.
Despite harsh criticism in its home country, Under Paris has been a triumph abroad, earning praise from audiences and even horror legend Stephen King, who lauded it as “really quite good” after initially expecting a lighthearted Sharknado-style romp. This reception could ensure even greater resources and scope for the sequel, which Gens promises will dive deeper into the apocalyptic vision of Paris under water.
For crew members and production professionals, Under Paris 2 is shaping up to be a unique opportunity. Keep an eye out for updates as development progresses—this underwater thriller is sure to make a splash both on-screen and behind the scenes.
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