While fans of high-octane action eagerly await news of John Wick 5, the action genre is far from dormant. The 2021 sleeper hit Nobody, starring Bob Odenkirk, delivered a gritty, sardonic twist on the “everyman-turned-killing-machine” trope, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Now, Nobody 2 is set to storm theaters on August 15, 2025, promising to retain the bone-crunching authenticity of its predecessor while escalating the stakes with a bold new story. With no John Wick 5 on the immediate horizon, Nobody 2 is poised to fill the void for adrenaline junkies, delivering the same raw intensity and visceral combat that made the first film a cult favorite. Here’s everything you need to know about why Nobody 2 is one of the most anticipated action films of 2025.

The Legacy of Nobody (2021)

The original Nobody caught audiences by surprise, transforming Bob Odenkirk—best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul—into an unlikely action hero. Playing Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary suburban dad with a hidden past as a government assassin, Odenkirk brought a unique blend of vulnerability and ferocity to the role. The film, directed by Ilya Naishuller and written by John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, grossed over $57 million during the pandemic and became a streaming hit, earning “Certified Fresh” and “Verified Hot” ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Its gritty fight choreography, dark humor, and Odenkirk’s against-type performance sparked immediate demand for a sequel.

Nobody 2 builds on this foundation, promising to deliver the same relentless action and emotional depth that made the first film resonate. With Odenkirk’s authentic punches—honed through rigorous training—and a new director known for hyper-violent spectacles, the sequel is set to elevate the franchise to new heights.

Plot: A Vacation Turned Bloodbath

Nobody 2 picks up four years after Hutch’s battle with the Russian mob in the first film. Still burdened by a $30 million debt to the criminal syndicate, Hutch is forced to work off his debt through a grueling series of international hits. Despite his proficiency in “slam-bang action,” as described by Universal Pictures, Hutch’s marriage to Becca (Connie Nielsen) is strained, and their family life is fraying. Seeking to reconnect, Hutch takes Becca, their children Brady (Gage Munroe) and Sammy (Paisley Cadorath), and his father David (Christopher Lloyd) to Wild Bill’s Majestic Midway and Waterpark, a nostalgic spot from Hutch’s childhood.

However, the idyllic getaway quickly spirals into chaos. A minor altercation with local bullies at the amusement park escalates when one of them assaults Sammy, triggering Hutch’s violent instincts. This confrontation pulls the Mansell family into the crosshairs of a corrupt theme-park operator, Henry (John Ortiz), a shady sheriff, Abel (Colin Hanks), and a ruthless crime boss, Lendina (Sharon Stone). As Hutch faces the most unhinged adversaries of his career, the trailer teases explosive set pieces, including a brutal fight in a hall of mirrors and a high-speed chase. The official synopsis hints at secrets from Hutch and Becca’s past unraveling, adding layers of intrigue to the action-packed narrative.

Creative Team and Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble

Nobody 2 marks the English-language debut of Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto, known for his visceral action films like The Night Comes for Us and May the Devil Take You. Tjahjanto’s kinetic style promises to amplify the sequel’s fight sequences, moving from the industrial grit of the first film to a vibrant, summery palette. The screenplay, penned by Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin, Umair Aleem, and Odenkirk himself, ensures continuity with the original’s tone while introducing fresh stakes. Producers include Odenkirk, Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Marc Provissiero, and Braden Aftergood, with Universal Pictures and 87North Productions backing the project.

The returning cast includes Odenkirk as Hutch, Nielsen as Becca, Lloyd as the trigger-happy David, and RZA as Hutch’s brother Harry. Newcomers Sharon Stone, Colin Hanks, and John Ortiz add star power, with Stone’s Lendina described as a formidable “alpha female” villain. Additional cast members include Michael Ironside as Hutch’s father-in-law Eddie Williams and Colin Salmon as The Barber, Hutch’s former handler. The ensemble’s chemistry, particularly between Odenkirk and Lloyd, promises to deepen the family dynamic that grounded the first film.

Why Nobody 2 Stands Out

What sets Nobody 2 apart is its commitment to authenticity in action. Odenkirk, now 62, underwent intense physical training to perform his own stunts, ensuring every punch and kick feels real. A behind-the-scenes featurette, “Getting Vacay Ready,” showcases his preparation, highlighting his dedication to delivering believable combat. Tjahjanto’s direction, combined with cinematographer Callan Green and composer Dominic Lewis, elevates the sequel’s visual and auditory impact, with a runtime of 89 minutes keeping the pace relentless.

The film also balances heart and humor with its violence. Hutch’s struggle to protect his family while grappling with his past adds emotional weight, while the trailer’s sardonic tagline—“Nobody ruins his vacation”—captures the franchise’s irreverent tone. Unlike John Wick, which leans into stylized mythology, Nobody 2 grounds its action in a suburban, relatable context, making Hutch’s transformation from dad to destroyer all the more thrilling.

Anticipation and Release

Since its announcement in 2021, Nobody 2 has generated significant buzz, amplified by a splashy trailer released on May 13, 2025, and a CinemaCon 2025 preview. Filmed in Winnipeg from August to September 2024, the movie is set for a theatrical release on August 15, 2025, with IMAX and Dolby Cinema screenings. While no streaming date has been confirmed, it’s expected to hit Peacock, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video post-theatrical run, following the first film’s trajectory.

With John Wick 5 still in development limbo, Nobody 2 is perfectly positioned to satisfy action fans craving a gritty, grounded hero. Odenkirk’s Hutch Mansell delivers the same relentless energy as Keanu Reeves’ Baba Yaga, but with a distinctly suburban twist. As critics and fans alike await its premiere, Nobody 2 promises to keep the genre’s pulse pounding, proving that nobody does action quite like Hutch.