Alan Ritchson’s War Machine 2 Is “Fully” Mapped Out & Is “Going To Be Sick”

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Netflix’s War Machine seems to have real franchise potential, and star Alan Ritchson is here for it.

Alan Ritchson’s character, a strict drill sergeant identified only as 81, is still shrouded in mystery after the first War Machine film. However, Ritchson, who also stars as Reacher, has hinted that we might learn more about him in War Machine 2 and any future installments.

In an interview with ScreenRant‘s Liam Crowley for War Machine, Ritchson and director Patrick Hughes revealed that they have indeed thought beyond the movie’s self-contained story and conceived of more adventures for 81. “Tons. Let me say it for him, tons,” Ritchson enthused, indicating that a wealth of sequel material has already been generated. “War Machines is going to be sick. The whole thing, we got a whole thing.”

After Jack Ritchson hinted at a title for a potential War Machines 2 inspired by the film Aliens, director Hughes explained his vision for the character. He stated that while War Machine was originally conceived as a complete, self-contained story, he’s already planned out potential future installments should the opportunity arise, and has a clear idea of where the franchise could go.

As a writer, it’s hard not to consider the possibilities,” Hughes explained. “I really connected with the character of 81 and the world he inhabits. So, if I were asked to return, I’d definitely be on board.”

When asked about the hidden details of his character’s past, Ritchson cleverly kept the mystery alive, but hinted that a potential ‘War Machine’ series could have a very lengthy run. He jokingly said, “We know the backstory, but you’ll have to watch all eight sequels to find out!”

We were actually having a huge debate on set about 81’s real name! Apparently, a lot of the crew were convinced he was called Gerald, which honestly felt so wrong. I’m a massive Western fan, and I’ve always loved that trope of the mysterious drifter – you know, the ‘man with no name’ or the ‘Pale Rider.’ That’s the kind of character I was really aiming for with 81, someone who just appears and disappears, and that’s where I wanted his identity to stay – ambiguous and a little haunting.

Hughes also shared that he developed an even more extreme take on War Machine. He wrote a version of the film that was essentially silent – the character would never speak. Instead, the story would unfold through his experiences in a fiery and brutal world. Through this harrowing journey, the character would rediscover self-love, ultimately becoming a powerful warrior.

He explained that he was particularly drawn to the story’s circular structure.

ScreenRant’s review of War Machine was mostly positive, describing it as an action movie that’s physically engaging, with just the right amount of sci-fi effects, and a strong focus on compelling characters.

War Machine can currently be streamed on Netflix.

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2026-03-06 20:58