Why Netflix’s Carry-On Deserves a Sequel: My Wishlist for the Follow-Up

Overview

No official announcement has been made regarding a sequel to Carry-On, but a potential plot could see Ethan’s family in grave danger.
The sequel might seamlessly blend elements of a home invasion thriller with action, while maintaining the narrative’s festive Christmas backdrop.
A new and captivating antagonist related to “The Traveler”could be introduced, enhancing Ethan’s skills as a TSA agent and aspiring police officer.

In the Netflix thriller Carry-On, Taron Egerton portrays Ethan Kopel, a TSA agent with aspirations of becoming a police officer. The film centers around his challenges during a tense Christmas season as he and girlfriend Nora (played by Sofia Carson) prepare for impending parenthood. The movie exemplifies some of the best qualities seen in Netflix’s 2024 lineup, featuring a compelling storyline, engaging characters, and unexpected twists.

While there is no confirmed sequel for Carry-On, there are exciting possibilities for a follow-up that could effectively expand on the narrative strengths of the original.

Proposed Storyline for a Carry-On Sequel

If a sequel to Carry-On were to be produced, a logical plotline would involve Ethan’s girlfriend—perhaps now his wife—Nora and their baby facing a serious threat. Following the events of the first film, where Ethan achieved his dream of becoming a cop, it would be thrilling to depict a Christmas celebration that takes a dark turn. Imagine Ethan receiving foreboding texts urging him to confront danger, a situation that would push him to act decisively to protect his loved ones.

This sequel could effectively merge the genres of a home invasion thriller and an exhilarating action movie. The setting could shift between their home or a family vacation. This contrast would create an environment of innocence that quickly erupts into chaos. Much like the iconic Die Hard franchise, setting it during Christmas would enhance the narrative tension as seemingly mundane holiday festivities give way to heart-pounding danger.

In terms of antagonists, the sequel would benefit from a villain as intriguing as Jason Bateman’s character, The Traveler. This antagonist could exploit Ethan’s past, leading to a gripping tale of psychological and physical conflict. By incorporating this dynamic, Ethan would employ the skills he honed as a TSA agent while deepening his character arc from the original film.

Taron Egerton has indicated that Ethan and Nora might have embraced traditional family life, suggesting that the premise for this sequel remains plausible. In an interview, Egerton remarked on their settled status:

“I think they are very settled. I think they probably would get married and do the whole 2.5 kids thing.”

Addressing the idea of a sequel, Egerton highlighted the necessity for a captivating plot, stating:

“It’s kind of like an extraordinary set of circumstances, so I think it would need a really innovative, creative idea to feel like a worthy idea for a sequel. But yeah, why not.”

Audience Reception of Carry-On

The critical and audience response to Carry-On has been largely positive, suggesting a strong foundation for a sequel. The film boasts an impressive 87% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, although the audience score is more subdued at 53%. Critics have offered mixed reviews, ranging from four-star accolades to some unfavorable one-star ratings.

Among Taron Egerton’s notable roles in other films include:

Robin Hood in Robin Hood (2018)
Elton John in Rocketman (2019)
Voice of Johnny in Sing 2 (2021)
Henk Rogers in Tetris (2023)

Numerous publications have hailed Carry-On as an enjoyable experience, particularly praising Jason Bateman’s performance. If a sequel maintains a similarly engaging and fast-paced narrative, it stands to be as successful as its predecessor.

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