As interesting as the idea of a Rebel Ridge's sequel seems inevitable.

Although Rebel Ridge's ending is fairly conclusive, its narrative can be expanded into a full-fledged franchise in more ways than one. Owing to this, it is hard not to hope that Netflix will greenlight its sequel and pave the way for it to become an action franchise. However, Jeremy Saulnier seems to have different plans for his next movie, and, from the looks of it, his next project has the potential to be even better than Rebel Ridge 2.

Jeremy Saulnier's Next Movie Will Be More Like Green Room Than Rebel Ridge

The Director Plans To Return To His Filmmaking Roots

In an interview (via The Playlist), Jeremy Saulnier opened up about his next movie project, revealing that he is "writing something that’s a little more in the ‘Green Room’ universe.” He revealed that since he was exploring a new side of his filmmaking career with Rebel Ridge by cutting back on violence, he wishes to return to his roots with his next project. The director explained that he took a different approach with Rebel Ridge because he was tired that everything he was doing was "oppressive."

Although Rebel Ridge also masterfully raises tension and keeps viewers white-knuckled throughout its runtime, the film is far less "oppressive," brutal, and gritty than the director's previous work in Blue Ruin, Green Room, Murder Party, and Hold the Dark. With his next project, however, Jeremy Saulnier plans to deliver something similar to Green Room that "has to do with music and Halloween and fun s**t." Given how Jeremy Saulnier's movies often feature classic punk rock tracks, it would not be surprising if his next film also integrates a memorable and heavy soundtrack.

Why It's Good That Jeremy Saulnier Is Returning To His Roots After Rebel Ridge

Movies Like Green Room Have Defined Saulnier's Career

Rebel Ridge is an incredible addition to Jeremy Saulnier's filmography because it highlights his ability to subvert his own established style. However, since visceral and disturbing movies like Green Room and Blue Ruin, which thrive on instilling shock and fear in viewers, have played a crucial role in defining his directorial identity, he should never give up on reusing the hallmarks of his storytelling. Since Rebel Ridge has succeeded critically and commercially despite being significantly different from Saulnier's previous films, it highlights his growth and evolution as a filmmaker.

Since Saulnier's movies were no less compelling even when they gave stark portrayals of humanity's darkest tendencies, it is good that he is gravitating towards his roots with his next movie.

The Netflix action movie also shows that his films do not always have to revolve around morally ambiguous characters and can still work incredibly well when they draw a clear line between the good and the bad guys. Despite this shift in his storytelling approach with Rebel Ridge, it is hard not to associate Saulnier with his early movies that feature morally skewed characters and ultra-violent visuals. Since Saulnier's movies were no less compelling even when they gave stark portrayals of humanity's darkest tendencies, it is good that he is gravitating towards his roots with his next movie.

Rebel Ridge 2 Still Needs To Happen, But Shouldn't Be Rushed

The Sequel Should Take Its Time Like Rebel Ridge

Despite having a slightly ambiguous ending, Rebel Ridge concludes its narrative on a well-rounded note, leaving little room for a continuation. However, the movie's Reacher-esque narrative structure, where a mysterious stranger arrives in a new town and challenges its power dynamics, can easily be expanded with several follow-ups. Since Netflix has been trying to establish an original action franchise with movies like The Gray Man and Red Notice, but has not been too successful so far, Rebel Ridge could serve as a fresh starting point for a series of action films for the streamer.

However, Rebel Ridge 2 should not be rushed. It took Rebel Ridge about five years to see the light of day because its production was marred by several delays. Its initial filming dates had to be moved forward because of the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie faced another major challenge when John Boyega, initially cast as its lead, suddenly departed from the project. Things eventually worked out for Rebel Ridge after Aaron Pierre hopped on board to play its main character.

Although Rebel Ridge is not based on a true story, it presents a relatable and realistic story that focuses on real-world concerns surrounding civil asset forfeiture injustice.

Given how Aaron Pierre's casting was perhaps one of the best things that happened to Rebel Ridge, its delays, in hindsight, contributed to its eventual success. The time taken to reconfigure the project seemingly allowed Jeremy Saulnier to deliver a stronger version of what he had initially envisioned. Owing to this, Rebel Ridge 2 should also take its time.