Director Sam Hargrave Discusses 'Extraction 2' Challenges and Sequel Plans

Published 2 years ago on Jun 17, 2023

Director Sam Hargrave, known for his work as a stuntman turned filmmaker, is gaining recognition alongside renowned directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, the creators of the "John Wick" franchise. Having previously collaborated with Stahelski, Leitch, and other notable filmmakers, Hargrave made his directorial debut with "Extraction" in 2020, starring Chris Hemsworth. The film's success prompted Netflix to consider a sequel, and Hargrave's latest endeavor, "Extraction 2," is currently in the works. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hargrave discusses the friendly competition among stuntmen turned directors, the challenges faced during the production of "Extraction 2," and the decision to steer away from the ambiguous ending of the first film.

Sequel Talks and Ambiguous Endings

The prospect of a sequel for "Extraction" emerged even before the film's release, thanks to positive test screenings and Netflix's enthusiasm for an action franchise featuring Chris Hemsworth. However, the challenge arose from the fact that the original film concluded with the apparent death of Hemsworth's character, Tyler Rake. To address this, Hargrave and his team shot additional footage that introduced an enigmatic swimming pool scene, hinting at Rake's survival and the potential for a sequel. Nevertheless, "Extraction 2" deliberately avoids providing definitive clarity on that moment, as the timeline of Rake's recovery does not align with the pool scene. According to Hargrave, attempting to connect the dots became too convoluted and could confuse viewers who hadn't seen the first movie.

Idris Elba's Role and Future Expansion

Ahead of the release of "Extraction 2," the film's marketing campaign revealed that Idris Elba would appear as Alcott, a mysterious handler who sets Tyler's new extraction mission in motion. Hargrave explains that Elba's casting came about through a phone call from Hemsworth, capitalizing on their previous collaboration in the Thor franchise. With plans to expand the "Extraction" universe in potential subsequent films, Hargrave sought to surround Hemsworth with talented actors who bring energy and chemistry to the screen. Elba's involvement marks the beginning of further possibilities for the franchise.

Friendly Competition and Different Perspectives

Hargrave acknowledges the friendly competition he shares with directors Stahelski and Leitch, acknowledging their excellence in the action genre. Despite being inspired by their work, he emphasizes that the competition primarily lies within oneself. Hargrave believes in offering a unique perspective on action filmmaking, using techniques such as the oner (a long continuous shot) to immerse the audience in the story. He mentions the importance of differentiation and aims to provide audiences with his distinct vision of action sequences.

The Challenging 21-Minute Oner

One of the highlights of "Extraction 2" is a 21-minute oner, a continuous shot that encompasses a prison extraction, a car chase, a foot chase, and a train battle. Hargrave explains that the prison escape sequence was the first idea discussed for the sequel, serving as the foundation for the ambitious oner. Despite the logistical challenges of scheduling, location availability, and actor commitments, Hargrave and his team successfully executed the complex puzzle of assembling different elements into a cohesive sequence.

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