Universal Pictures is facing mixed results as the Jason Statham action sequel performance trails behind its predecessor’s success, with Nobody 2 underperforming at the box office since its release. The film has earned $36 million globally within a month, reflecting a decline compared to the original’s $60 million worldwide take but still managing to surpass several other recent action releases.
Details on Nobody 2’s Box Office Results and Production
Produced on a reported $25 million budget, Nobody 2 earned $20 million from North American theaters, indicating a moderate turnout. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, who will also lead Statham’s upcoming sequel The Beekeeper 2, the movie continues the story of Bob Odenkirk’s character Hutch Mansell, an assassin living a quiet life as a family man. The first Nobody film, directed by Ilya Naishuller, was widely praised, drawing parallels to the John Wick franchise and securing an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critical Response and Audience Reception
While the sequel’s Rotten Tomatoes critics score is slightly lower at 78%, it still garnered affirmative reviews. The strong audience score of 94% for the film’s predecessor encouraged Universal, and Nobody 2 maintains a respectable 89% audience rating. These figures highlight its potential for success outside theaters, particularly in streaming and home video markets.
“While frumpy action-hero Hutch Mansell tries to enjoy a nice vacation, Bob Odenkirk works overtime to make Nobody 2 a diverting sequel that measures up admirably to the original.”
—Critics’ consensus, Rotten Tomatoes
Comparison with Other Action Sequels and Streaming Prospects
During its theatrical run, Nobody 2 outperformed Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the original Road House remake, and Nicolas Cage’s The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. It also surpassed the global haul of Crank: High Voltage, a 2009 Jason Statham sequel that earned $35 million. The film features performances from Connie Nielsen and John Ortiz, and it is now available for streaming, likely extending its reach beyond box office returns.
Implications for Universal and Future Releases
Following Universal’s recent disappointment with M3GAN 2.0, which also experienced a steep drop from its original, Nobody 2’s moderate success offers some reassurance despite falling short of expectations. The steady audience ratings and home-viewing popularity suggest Jason Statham’s brand maintains strong appeal. The performance of these sequels will influence Universal’s decision-making around forthcoming projects and their approach to action franchises in the post-pandemic market.
