Last Christmas, Netflix unwrapped a surprise package with the action thriller, Carry-On. It was an unexpected jackpot that would’ve typically seen the streamer return to place another bet. But this time, Netflix seems hesitant to proceed with expansion plans, and for good reason. Carry-On became an instant breakout hit when it premiered on the streamer. It eventually jetted its way to becoming the second-most-watched movie in the streamer’s history with over 172 M views, bested only by the ensemble heist, Red Notice. With a record like that, a sequel would be a no-brainer, but making it work is a different ball game, as recently underscored by its star Taron Egerton.

Talks about a potential Carry-On sequel began shortly after the movie’s release, with its cast and crew weighing in on the prospects. Egerton, who played heroic TSA agent Ethan Kopek, isn’t exactly ruling out the idea of returning. However, the actor is making it clear that a sequel shouldn’t be done just for the sake of it. For Egerton, a follow-up would only be worth making if the story feels right and doesn’t risk the outcome feeling forced or unnatural. It is an undertaking he considers quite difficult in the context of Carry-On, as he discussed in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The actor further shared that he’d been in recent contact with the film’s director, Jaume Collet-Serra, but confirmed that there are currently no sequel plans in motion.

“Jaume and I definitely want to do more together. I love Jaume. It’s so about the journey as well as the movies you make, and I really like being with Jaume. I saw him last week in L.A., and we had a nice dinner together. Carry-On 2 is really hard. It’s a celebration of Christmas and a celebration of people who work at Christmas. It then needs to have this huge plot that needs to be foiled, and maybe the earwig component. All of that is quite hard to achieve in a sequel without it feeling contrived and to the point of defying credulity. So I have not heard anything, but who knows, stranger things have happened.”

A Carry-On Sequel Could Still Happen

Netflix often bases its continuation decisions on audience reception, and there’s little reason to believe Carry-On will be treated any differently. Upon release, the film quickly drew comparisons to another gritty holiday action classic, Die Hard, with many seeing it as a worthy heir to that legacy. With that kind of potential, it’s hard to imagine the streamer walking away without at least exploring where the story could go next. While there’s been no official word on a sequel, there’s reason for hope as Netflix recently extended director Collet-Serra’s contract, a move that could signal long-term interest in the property. The streamer’s measured, wait-and-see approach suggests they view the film as valuable and are intent on avoiding a sequel that feels like a hollow cash grab.

For those craving more of Egerton‘s action chops, a passion project of his, titled She Rides Shotgun, was released in theaters over the weekend. You can read our spoiler-free review of it here and check it out in theaters.

via Collider