Nobody screenwriter Derek Kolstad reveals that he already has an opening scene in mind for a sequel, the potential Nobody 2. Kolstad, who created the John Wick franchise, focuses on a different unstoppable protagonist for Nobody. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the film is headlined by Bob Odenkirk as Hutch. The star of Better Call Saul portrays an ostensibly ordinary guy who becomes the target of a dangerous drug lord after helping a stranger being harassed by a group of men.
Since its release in March, and continuing with its VOD and digital release as of April 16, Nobody has generated a lot of buzz and garnered generally positive reviews. This has led to questions about whether Odenkirk might return to the role of Hutch for a second outing. While that remains to be seen, Kolstad notes that he’s already thinking about a sequel.
During an interview with Collider, Kolstad mentioned he already has an opening scene in mind for the potential follow-up, Nobody 2. The screenwriter’s reveal came during his explanation of how he pitched Nobody to Odenkirk. Kolstad made clear that, if a sequel were to move forward, it would stick to the template established in the first film. You can read Kolstad’s quote below:
Remember that the first scene in the movie? That is the first thing I ever pitched Bob, in the meeting, because I had the dream the night before. And I told Sonia, my wife, before the meeting, she said you gotta open with that. I pitched that and Bob’s like… ‘you’re f–ing high, right?’ And so, on the second one, I have the opening scene. And we’re all just chuckling and cackling when you see this thing because it’s in line with that. And I always want to begin that way.
Hutch’s saga concludes as a complete story while being mindful to leave the door for future installments. In the Nobody movie ending, though he seems largely ready to settle down with his family once again, Odenkirk’s character can’t quite resist the pull of his former life when it comes calling. Rather than simply repeating familiar beats, a second installment could illuminate Hutch’s secret profession prior to becoming a suburban dad. It could also shed light on the feature’s wide array of formidable assassins, as hinted by a mid-credits scene, including Christopher Lloyd’s retired F.B.I. agent. On another front, Nobody 2 could address some of the criticisms leveled at the first film by incorporating Hutch’s wife Becca (Connie Nielsen) more into the story rather than keep her on the sidelines. Barely scratching an hour and a half in terms of its running time, Nobody leaves a lot on the table that could be explored if more entries are announced.
Still, with these latest comments, it’s evident that there’s an awareness of what makes the movie such a delight. Nobody was helped by its connection to John Wick, in addition to its shared thematic elements. But, ultimately, the success boils down to the simple pleasure of seeing Odenkirk play against type in a story which is helpfully self-aware. If that energy is maintained for the potential Nobody 2, as Kolstad indicates, it’s possible that fans of hitmen and elaborate fight scenes will have another franchise to add to the subgenre’s steadily growing roster.
