First released in 2021 from director Ilya Naishuller (Hardcore Henry), Nobody follows the life of a seemingly ordinary family man named Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk), who after him and his family are the victims of a house burglary. This springs him back to his former life of an assassin, which leads him to counter the Russian Mafia. Picture if Saul Goodman ditched becoming an ecstatic lawyer and instead ruthless assassin and midlife crisis family man.
The sequel Nobody 2 continues the story of Hutch, following the events of Nobody as he tries to repay his debt for burning the Russian Mafia’s money at the end of the first film. Feeling burnt out as well as both mentally and physically not there for his family, Hutch takes a break from repaying what’s left and takes his family to his childhood water park, Plummerville. But unbeknownst to Hutch, his life just can’t catch a break. Timo Tjahjanto (V/H/S/2 – Segment: Safe Haven, The Night Comes For Us) takes the helm from Ilya and continues the over the top fan action and delivers a fun summer vacation sequel.
Timo’s experience of directing action sequences is showcased in the highlights of Nobody 2. There’s a level of adrenaline that the audience feels much like the first film whenever Hutch kicks butt. The film’s use of quick editing and camera work results in the over the top homage to 80s classic action movies. Especially the ferry sequence that will for sure give the audience a satisfying sense of joy. Timo knows how to keep the audience at the edge of their seats excited, that’s for sure. Both him and writer Aaron Rabin do not do a copy/paste of the first film’s action sequences that many action sequels do, but instead use creativity to expand upon what made the first film fun and appealing.
At its core, Nobody 2 does have a heart within the story about Sins of the Father. Hutch is in the line of work because of his father (Christopher Lloyd), who gives one hell of a performance, reprising his role from the 2021 hit. Imagine Doc Brown from Back to the Future if he went full killing mode with his inventions. Hutch doesn’t want the same for his own son (Gage Munroe) who’s slowly showing indications of Hutch’s tendencies being passed down onto him. Hutch wants the best for both his son and daughter and hopes the getaway would be helpful.
The film also does have the theme of family. Even on vacation, Hutch cannot escape his double life as an assassin while trying to be the dad and husband he wants to be. The strain puts a toll on not only his kids but also his loving wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen). The dilemma faced questions what’s more important to Hutch. His loving family or repaying his debt towards burning the Russian Mafia’s money by taking on tasks at the hands of The Barber (Colin Salmon).
Nobody 2, however, does fall under the same problems the first Nobody had with underdeveloped villain characters. I do give credit to Sharon Stone for delivering an over the top performance as Lendina, the ruthless crime boss behind the bootlegging smuggling happening at Plummerville. Other than that, it’s tough to fully hate a character when they’re not fully utilized. Colin Hanks’ Sheriff Abel, who was the secondary antagonist, had more development than Lendina’s.
It also does no justice when there’s little at stake. In Nobody, Hutch had kept his former life a secret for so long that the thought of it creeping its way back into his normal life scared him. He wanted to keep his family safe. Nobody 2 never quite hits those same highs. Sure, Hutch does still protect his family, but there really was no sense of danger surrounding them and the danger was all mainly on Hutch.
Despite its flaws, I still quite enjoyed Nobody 2. Timo’s mix of fun action and Bob Odenkirk’s Hutch makes for a fun trip to the theatres. If you’re missing the theatre experience that the John Wick series delivered, Nobody 2 helps fill in that empty void.
Watch the trailer right here.
All images via Universal Pictures.
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto
Screenplay by Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin
Produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Bob Odenkirk, Marc Provissiero, Braden Aftergood
Starring Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, RZA, Colin Salmon, Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone
Premiere Date: August 15, 2025
Running Time: 89 minutes
Cinema from the Spectrum 
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