Brightburn (2019) took the superhero genre and turned it on its head by presenting a dark, horror-infused take on the classic Superman origin story. Produced by James Gunn and directed by David Yarovesky, Brightburn explored the chilling concept of what might happen if a super-powered child, instead of becoming a hero, embraced his darker impulses. With its eerie atmosphere, intense violence, and shocking ending, the film left audiences wondering: will there be a Brightburn 2?
The Ending of Brightburn and What It Means for a Sequel
At the end of Brightburn, we see Brandon Breyer (played by Jackson A. Dunn) fully embracing his supervillain identity, leaving a trail of destruction behind him. The film concludes with news reports of his continued rampage, hinting that he is only beginning his reign of terror. Furthermore, the post-credits scene teases other super-powered beings, suggesting that Brandon is not the only one of his kind. This scene excited fans as it implied a potential larger universe where more sinister figures might emerge.
The idea of a dark cinematic universe with evil superheroes was further hinted at with a cameo by Michael Rooker’s character, who warns the world about other dangerous metahumans. This sets up a compelling foundation for a sequel or even a series of interconnected films.
Will There Be a Brightburn 2?
While Sony Pictures has not officially announced a sequel, there have been multiple hints that Brightburn 2 is in development. In 2021, producer James Gunn confirmed that discussions were ongoing regarding a follow-up to the film. Additionally, in recent interviews, director David Yarovesky has expressed interest in further exploring Brandon Breyer’s story and expanding the dark superhero universe.
The success of Brightburn at the box office also makes a sequel highly likely. The film had a modest budget of around $6 million but grossed over $32 million worldwide. This financial success, coupled with the growing popularity of horror-infused superhero films, suggests that there is a strong market for a continuation of the story.
What Could Brightburn 2 Be About?
A sequel could take several possible directions:
1. Brandon Breyer as a Global Threat
The first Brightburn showed Brandon’s first steps into the darkness, but a sequel could elevate him to full supervillain status. We could see Brandon destroying on a much larger scale, possibly confronting world governments or even battling other super-powered individuals who attempt to stop him. His complete lack of human empathy makes him an unstoppable force, and Brightburn 2 could explore how humanity reacts to his existence.
2. The Expansion of the “Dark Superhero” Universe
The post-credits scene teased the existence of other super-powered beings. A sequel could introduce these characters and explore their origins. Are they from the same alien species as Brandon, or are they different experiments? If Brightburn 2 introduces a team of dark superheroes, it could lead to a twisted version of the Justice League, where instead of saving the world, these individuals seek to dominate it.
3. A New Protagonist to Challenge Brandon
One of the major criticisms of Brightburn was that there was no real challenge to Brandon’s power. In a sequel, we could see a new character emerge—perhaps another individual with abilities who stands against him. This could provide a thrilling hero-vs-villain dynamic, akin to an anti-Superman versus an anti-Batman scenario.
4. Exploring Brandon’s Alien Origins
The first film left many questions unanswered about Brandon’s true origins. Where did he come from? Was he intentionally sent to Earth with a mission to conquer it? Brightburn 2 could delve deeper into his alien lineage, perhaps introducing other extraterrestrial threats or revealing more about the mysterious force that sent him.
The Horror-Superhero Genre: Why Brightburn 2 Makes Sense
Since Brightburn was released, the superhero landscape has evolved significantly. While traditional superhero movies like those from Marvel and DC continue to dominate, audiences have shown increasing interest in darker, more mature takes on the genre. Films like The Boys and Invincible have proven that there is a strong market for stories that deconstruct the superhero mythos.
A Brightburn 2 could capitalize on this trend by pushing the horror elements even further. The original film already contained gruesome, shocking moments, and a sequel could up the ante with more terrifying action sequences, psychological horror, and a deeper dive into Brandon’s increasingly sinister mind.
Who Would Return for Brightburn 2?
If the sequel moves forward, Jackson A. Dunn would likely reprise his role as Brandon Breyer. His performance in the first film was chilling, and seeing him return as an even more menacing version of the character would be a highlight.
It is also possible that Michael Rooker’s conspiracy theorist character could play a more significant role, perhaps leading a group trying to stop Brandon and the other dark super-beings. Director David Yarovesky and producer James Gunn would also likely be involved again, given their passion for the project.
Potential Release Date
As of now, there is no confirmed release date for Brightburn 2, but if Sony gives it the green light soon, production could begin in late 2024 or early 2025. This means that a potential release could happen in 2026, depending on scheduling and production challenges.
Conclusion: Will Brightburn 2 Happen?
While nothing has been officially confirmed, all signs point to Brightburn 2 being a strong possibility. The first film’s financial success, the growing popularity of horror-superhero hybrids, and the rich storytelling potential all make a sequel highly likely. Fans of the original film are eager to see what happens next, and if the filmmakers can expand the universe in a compelling way, Brightburn 2 could be an even bigger success than its predecessor.
For now, we wait for official confirmation, but if Brightburn 2 does get made, it promises to be a terrifying, thrilling ride into the darker side of superhero storytelling.
