John Carter 2 (2024), the long-awaited sequel to Disney’s 2012 epic John Carter, promises to reignite the grandeur and adventure of Barsoom while delving deeper into its lore, characters, and the enduring fight for freedom. Directed by a fresh visionary helm, the sequel brings back the charismatic Taylor Kitsch as the titular Earth-born hero, John Carter, and Lynn Collins as the fearless Dejah Thoris, alongside a stellar ensemble cast. This installment seeks to expand on the mythical and political intrigues of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Martian saga, delivering a high-stakes tale that intertwines love, loyalty, and the destiny of an entire planet.

Picking up where the first film left off, John Carter 2 sees Carter once again transported to the red sands of Barsoom, where tensions among the warring factions have reached a breaking point. As the city of Helium faces an existential threat from an ancient, awakening force buried deep beneath the planet’s surface, Carter must unite the divided tribes of Barsoom against a common enemy. Alongside Dejah Thoris, now a queen torn between her duty to her people and her love for Carter, he embarks on a perilous journey across Barsoom’s uncharted territories to unlock the secrets of the Ninth Ray—a power that holds the key to Barsoom’s survival.

The film introduces new characters, including a mysterious rogue Thark with questionable loyalties, played by a scene-stealing addition to the cast, and an enigmatic priestess who guards the secrets of Barsoom’s ancient civilizations. These additions add depth and complexity to the narrative, creating layers of intrigue that elevate the stakes. Carter’s journey of self-discovery runs parallel to the larger conflict, as he grapples with his identity as a man caught between two worlds and his responsibility to a planet that has become his second home.

Visually, John Carter 2 is a feast for the senses, building on the groundbreaking effects of its predecessor. The landscapes of Barsoom are even more vivid and imaginative, with lush new environments and awe-inspiring alien architecture that transport viewers to the heart of the Martian world. The action sequences are more dynamic and fluid, showcasing larger battles, high-flying aerial dogfights, and thrilling one-on-one duels. The film’s pacing balances these grand set pieces with quieter, character-driven moments, ensuring that the story remains grounded in its emotional core.

Taylor Kitsch delivers a compelling performance, bringing a rugged charm and emotional weight to John Carter’s character. Lynn Collins shines as Dejah Thoris, whose leadership and intelligence are showcased even more prominently in this sequel. Their chemistry anchors the film, adding emotional stakes to the unfolding epic. The supporting cast, including the ever-loyal Woola and the formidable Thark warrior Tars Tarkas (voiced by Willem Dafoe), provides humor, gravitas, and heart to the story.

The film’s score, composed by a renowned modern maestro, elevates the emotional resonance and epic scale, weaving motifs from the first film with new, hauntingly beautiful themes that reflect the story’s deepening complexity.

John Carter 2 is a triumphant return to the world of Barsoom, offering a thrilling blend of high-octane action, intricate world-building, and deeply human storytelling. It redeems and revitalizes the legacy of the original, proving that the stories of Mars—and the heroes who fight for its future—are far from over. With its epic scale, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, this sequel not only honors the spirit of the original but propels the saga into bold, uncharted territory, leaving fans eager for even more adventures on the red planet.