Jason Statham’s $760M *Fast & Furious* Movie in Netflix’s Top 10 Is a Clear Reminder It Still Needs a Sequel
When *Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw* hit theaters in 2019, the film took the beloved *Fast & Furious* franchise in a bold new direction, shifting from the high-speed street racing roots that built the series to an all-out action-packed blockbuster featuring two of Hollywood’s biggest action stars: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham. The movie quickly became a box office juggernaut, grossing a staggering $760 million globally, proving that audiences had a thirst for the *Fast & Furious* universe beyond just Dominic Toretto’s family.
Since then, *Hobbs & Shaw* has garnered a loyal fanbase, and in 2024, it found renewed life on Netflix, where it climbed into the streaming giant’s coveted Top 10 rankings, reaffirming its status as a fan-favorite. But as the film continues to find fresh audiences and reignite the passion of old fans, the lingering question remains: where is the sequel?
The success of *Hobbs & Shaw* on Netflix serves as a potent reminder that this action-packed spinoff is not only still relevant, but that it’s begging for a follow-up. Despite the box office success, an undeniable demand from fans, and the tantalizing loose ends left by the first film, the sequel has yet to materialize. Let’s explore why *Hobbs & Shaw* still needs a sequel and why Jason Statham’s return as Deckard Shaw could take the *Fast & Furious* universe to new heights.
The Explosive Success of *Hobbs & Shaw
When *Hobbs & Shaw* first arrived in theaters, it quickly became evident that this wasn’t just another *Fast & Furious* film. Directed by David Leitch, known for his work on *John Wick* and *Deadpool 2*, the movie was a spectacle of bombastic action, over-the-top stunts, and witty banter between its two lead characters, Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Shaw (Jason Statham). The film’s focus on these two larger-than-life figures and their rivalry-turned-partnership struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Critically, the film received praise for its thrilling set pieces, well-choreographed fight scenes, and humor, which was injected into the script thanks to the chemistry between Johnson and Statham. More than just an action film, *Hobbs & Shaw* managed to tap into a rich vein of buddy-cop dynamics, reminiscent of the classic action films of the 80s and 90s.
For Statham, the film was a career-defining moment. Already established as a leading action star through franchises like *Transporter* and *The Expendables*, his portrayal of Deckard Shaw gave him an even bigger global platform. Initially introduced as the villain in *Fast & Furious 6*, Shaw’s arc evolved from a deadly adversary to a relatable anti-hero, particularly with his redemption arc tied to his family, including his sister Hattie (played by Vanessa Kirby).
Despite its somewhat detached nature from the main *Fast & Furious* films, *Hobbs & Shaw* carved its own lane, expanding the franchise’s universe with new characters and threats while maintaining ties to the overarching saga. However, by the time the credits rolled, it was clear that the story was far from over.
The Cliffhanger and Unresolved Plotlines
*Hobbs & Shaw* ended on a cliffhanger that teased the return of an even greater threat. The film’s primary villain, Brixton Lore (played by Idris Elba), may have been defeated, but the organization pulling his strings—Eteon—was still very much alive. In fact, the film went to great lengths to hint at a mysterious figure at the top of the Eteon hierarchy, someone who knew Hobbs personally and had ties to Shaw’s past as well.
This unanswered question remains one of the biggest reasons fans are clamoring for a sequel. Who is behind Eteon? What are their ultimate plans? And how do Hobbs and Shaw fit into their larger schemes? These are the kind of dangling plot threads that demand resolution, not only for the sake of narrative closure but also to expand the *Fast & Furious* universe in new and exciting ways.
Moreover, the film left room for further character development, especially with Hattie Shaw and Hobbs’ Samoan family. A sequel could delve deeper into the sibling dynamic between Deckard and Hattie, explore Hobbs’ relationship with his daughter, and potentially introduce even more formidable enemies that challenge the duo in ways we’ve never seen.
Why a Sequel Is Necessary
Beyond the unresolved storylines, *Hobbs & Shaw* tapped into something vital: it gave the *Fast & Furious* franchise a new lease on life by branching out into spinoff territory. The *Fast & Furious* saga is slated to end with its eleventh installment, but the universe it created is far too rich to simply conclude. By greenlighting a *Hobbs & Shaw* sequel, the franchise can continue to thrive, offering fans a fresh perspective while keeping familiar faces in play.
Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw has proven to be a character worthy of more screen time. His backstory as a former British special forces operative, combined with his lethal skill set, makes him one of the most compelling figures in the *Fast* universe. A sequel would allow audiences to learn more about Shaw’s past, particularly his relationship with his family and the lingering trauma from his days as a government assassin.
Additionally, a sequel could further explore the dynamic between Hobbs and Shaw. While the first film showed them transitioning from bitter rivals to unlikely allies, there’s still plenty of room for their partnership to grow. The friction between their personalities—Hobbs being a straight-laced, by-the-book type, and Shaw being a morally grey, rule-breaking type—creates endless possibilities for humor, tension, and conflict, which can drive the narrative of a second film.
The Netflix Effect: Renewed Fan Demand
The resurgence of *Hobbs & Shaw* on Netflix in 2024 has brought the film back into the spotlight, proving that its appeal has not waned. Streaming platforms like Netflix have become a powerful tool in reviving interest in films and franchises, giving them new life long after their theatrical runs. By landing in Netflix’s Top 10, *Hobbs & Shaw* has shown that there’s still a massive audience for this particular corner of the *Fast & Furious* universe.
This renewed interest should serve as a wake-up call for Universal Pictures. Fans are actively watching, discussing, and speculating about the future of *Hobbs & Shaw*. The demand is there, and it’s only growing as more people discover (or rediscover) the film on Netflix. In an era where streaming numbers can drive the production of sequels and spinoffs, *Hobbs & Shaw* is primed for a second installment.
What a Sequel Could Bring
If a *Hobbs & Shaw* sequel were to materialize, the possibilities are endless. The film could introduce new characters, expand on existing relationships, and push the action into even more outrageous and entertaining territory. Fans have already expressed interest in seeing Shaw’s mother, Magdalene (played by Helen Mirren), take on a more central role. Her appearances in the franchise have been brief but memorable, and a sequel could explore her criminal empire and the family dynamics at play.
Additionally, a sequel could dive deeper into the international espionage angle introduced in *Hobbs & Shaw*, taking the franchise into even more high-stakes global conflicts. With the right villain—perhaps one even more dangerous than Brixton Lore—Hobbs and Shaw could face their greatest challenge yet.
Conclusion
As *Hobbs & Shaw* continues to dominate Netflix’s Top 10, it’s clear that fans haven’t forgotten about this action-packed spinoff. The film’s success, both in theaters and on streaming, combined with its unresolved storylines, makes a strong case for a sequel. Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw has become a beloved character, and there’s so much more of his story left to tell.
The demand is there, the groundwork has been laid, and the fans are eagerly waiting. Now it’s up to Universal to deliver the sequel that *Hobbs & Shaw* deserves—one that can further expand the *Fast & Furious* universe and give audiences another adrenaline-fueled ride.