Edge of Tomorrow 2 in Doubt After Netflix-Warner Bros Deal

Edge of Tomorrow, the 2014 sci-fi flick starring Tom Cruise, has built a loyal following over the years. Punters have been hanging out for a sequel for more than a decade, but the recent news of Netflix snapping up Warner Bros has left many wondering if the next chapter will ever see the light of day. The streaming giant’s approach to film releases has sparked a wave of memes and jokes on X, with fans taking the mickey out of what they see as Netflix’s anti-cinema stance.

Fans Take to Socials as Sequel Hopes Fade

On X, users have been sharing memes poking fun at the idea of Tom Cruise clashing with Netflix over their release strategy. One post summed up the mood:

Tom Cruise when the Netflix board tries proposing a 30-day theatrical window in 600 random theatres for his next WB film: pic.twitter.com/dvkg0hMKay

The audio clip doing the rounds actually comes from a separate incident after the pandemic, when Cruise was caught giving crew members a spray for not wearing masks. Still, fans have repurposed it to highlight the potential stoush between the action star and Netflix’s execs.

Edge of Tomorrow: A Cult Favourite

Directed by Doug Liman, the original film follows Major William Cage, played by Cruise, who finds himself stuck in a time loop as Earth faces an alien invasion. He teams up with Rita Vrataski, brought to life by Emily Blunt, to take on the extraterrestrial threat and try to break free from the endless cycle. While it didn’t make as much noise as some of Cruise’s other blockbusters, Edge of Tomorrow quietly became a hit with both critics and fans, earning a solid reputation over time. Since then, there’s been a steady drumbeat of calls for a sequel, but the odds now look slimmer than ever.

With Netflix’s focus on streaming and a tendency to keep cinema runs short and sweet, many reckon the chances of a proper follow-up are fading fast. The streaming model just doesn’t line up with what fans have been hoping for.

Key Details and Cast

Here’s a quick rundown for those keen on the details:

Director: Doug Liman
Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton
Release: 28 May 2014
IMDb: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Box Office: $370 million worldwide
Production: Warner Bros. Pictures
Streaming: Prime Video

Netflix’s Model at Odds with Cruise’s Vision

Tom Cruise has long been a champion of the big screen, especially after the success of Top Gun: Maverick, which many credit with helping cinemas bounce back post-pandemic. He’s made it clear he values the full cinema experience, and isn’t shy about saying so. But with Netflix now calling the shots at Warner Bros, the focus is shifting to streaming, with shorter and more limited cinema releases becoming the norm. That’s not exactly a great fit for someone as passionate about theatrical runs as Cruise.

Given Netflix’s track record, it’s hard to see them changing tack just for one film, no matter how much fans want it. Whether Edge of Tomorrow 2 ever gets made is anyone’s guess, but for now, the outlook isn’t looking too flash.