Devotees of the iconic action star Jason Statham might find it disheartening to note that the much-anticipated sequel, Meg 2: The Trench, does not feature an end-credits scene. Such scenes often leave a tantalizing hint of more to come from our beloved actors and characters. When it comes to the special blend of sheer camp and shark-punching spectacle that the Meg franchise provides, there’s simply no competition. Despite the lack of a post-credit surprise in Meg 2: The Trench, the film leaves the audience wondering what further sequels may be on the horizon.
Unraveling the Story of ‘Meg 2: The Trench’
The sequel is set six years after the roller-coaster ride of the original movie. In Meg 2: The Trench, we find Statham’s character, Jonas Taylor, a seasoned deep-sea diver, venturing into an uncharted abyss of the ocean – the trench. This is a world where gigantic prehistoric megalodon sharks lurk and reign supreme. Predictably, Taylor’s mission goes awry, and he’s left to guide the surviving crew against time, dwindling oxygen, and the relentless onslaught of predatory sea beasts.
Statham’s Jonas Taylor isn’t the lone character making a return from the original film. James “Mac” Mackreides, played by Cliff Curtis, continues to oversee the marine research station, Mana One. Meanwhile, Page Kennedy’s character, DJ, the engineer, makes a comeback in the sequel with added grit and resourcefulness, refusing to be an easy target this time around. Also returning is Sophia Cai’s Meiying Zhang, the child who essentially becomes Statham’s adoptive daughter in The Meg, after he begins a romantic liaison with Meiying’s mother, Suyin (Li Bingbing).
However, Bingbing doesn’t return in the sequel, and her character’s absence is dealt with in the storyline of Meg 2: The Trench. Instead, we see the introduction of Chinese superstar Wu Jing as Jiuming, Meiying’s uncle, and the new leader of the marine research station. The film also features Sergio Peris-Mencheta as the human antagonist, Montes, who leads a mercenary group eager to capitalize on the secrets of the trench. Other additions to the cast include Sienna Guillory, Skyler Samuels, Melissanthi Mahut, Whoopie Van Raam, Kiran Sonia Sawar, and Felix Mayr.
Rethinking the Absence of an End-Credits Scene in ‘Meg 2: The Trench’
Back in 2018, The Meg took the essence of Steve Alten’s ‘Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror’, transforming the sci-fi horror premise into a high-octane action spectacle. As an independent story, The Meg did not necessitate an end-credits scene. Nonetheless, after raking in an astounding $530 million internationally on a budget between $130 and $178 million, the franchise was ripe for a revisit. In fact, Catherine Xujun Ying, the producer, made an announcement about an upcoming sequel just two months after The Meg’s successful debut. In 2020, details about Meg 2: The Trench started surfacing, with Ben Wheatley replacing Jon Turteltaub as the director.
Being a successor to the successful standalone movie, Meg 2: The Trench has the responsibility of sustaining the franchise’s momentum. This could explain why the filmmakers decided to wait before unveiling the sequel. Given the first film’s smashing success, the anticipation for the sequel to deliver similar box-office numbers is palpable. Director Wheatley has already hinted at a third installment. Still, it appears Warner Bros. has opted for a cautious approach to Statham’s latest undersea exploit, laying out the necessary groundwork for a third film without the commitment of an end-credits scene.
This decision is actually quite refreshing. Post-credits scenes, made popular by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, have become a staple in large-scale blockbusters, rewarding fans who stay till the end with a bonus joke or a hint of what’s to come. However, these scenes often detract from the core viewing experience by demanding immediate anticipation for the next installment, rather than letting audiences savor the movie they’ve just seen. Although it’s thrilling to know our favorite franchises will be returning, end-credits scenes should not be seen as an obligatory component of big-budget films. They should only be included when they serve a genuine purpose. For Meg 2: The Trench, the movie accomplishes the task of foreshadowing a possible threequel without the need for a post-credits scene.
‘Meg 2: The Trench’ and the Prospect of a Threequel
Despite forgoing a post-credits scene, it’s evident that the makers of Meg 2: The Trench have future sequels in mind. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that the sequel sets the stage for more exciting adventures. Even though Meg 2: The Trench is primarily another tale of humans against the vast, untamed ocean, it also serves to expand the universe of the franchise, introducing fresh characters and advanced technology that could extend the series’ longevity.
Moreover, while the sequel provides a satisfying resolution to its central storyline, screenwriters Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, and Dean Georgaris leave some plot threads hanging, which can be addressed if the film performs well enough to pique producers’ interest in continuing the franchise. However, the task won’t be straightforward. In the US, the film will have to navigate through competition from the highly anticipated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem while trying to draw audiences back to theaters in the lingering aftermath of the pandemic.
Regardless of these domestic challenges, it’s crucial to remember that a significant portion of The Meg’s colossal box-office success can be attributed to Statham’s appeal and its strong overseas performance, particularly in China. Building on these strengths, Meg 2: The Trench highlights the international diversity of the cast and maintains the focus on Asian locales. Moreover, the sequel has Jing’s Jiuming sharing the limelight with Statham, and the campy thrill of the story might draw more shark-loving audiences to theaters. Therefore, it’s plausible that the sequel could emulate the original’s success and pave the way for a thrilling third chapter to tie up loose ends.
Meg 2: The Trench is set to hit theaters on August 4. Be ready to dive deep once again into the world of menacing megalodon sharks and high-stakes heroics.
