The Unseen Sequel: Why American Assassin 2 Never Took Flight

Rubie Greenfelder 24 Jun 2025

For fans of high-octane action thrillers and intricate espionage narratives, the 2017 film "American Assassin" offered a compelling origin story for one of modern fiction's most formidable operatives, Mitch Rapp. Starring Dylan O'Brien as the titular character, the movie promised to launch a new cinematic franchise based on Vince Flynn's bestselling novels. However, despite its thrilling premise and a dedicated fanbase, the highly anticipated "American Assassin 2" never materialized. This article delves deep into the reasons behind the sequel's absence, explores the original film's journey from box office underperformance to Netflix success, and examines how Mitch Rapp's legacy continues to thrive in other forms.

The journey of a potential film franchise is often fraught with challenges, and "American Assassin" proved to be no exception. From its initial theatrical release to its surprising resurgence on streaming platforms, the film's trajectory is a case study in Hollywood's unpredictable landscape. We'll explore the critical and commercial factors that sealed the fate of "American Assassin 2," dissect the enduring appeal of Mitch Rapp, and ponder whether there's still a glimmer of hope for the character's return to the big screen.

The Original Film: A Glimpse into "American Assassin"
- Plot and Premise: Mitch Rapp's Origin Story
- Cast, Crew, and Critical Reception
The Box Office Reality: Why "American Assassin" Underperformed
- Numbers Don't Lie: Financial Performance
- The Netflix Effect: A Second Chance?
The Enduring Legacy of Mitch Rapp: Beyond the Big Screen
- Vince Flynn's Vision and Kyle Mills' Continuation
Unanswered Questions: Was "American Assassin 2" Ever in the Works?
Rumors and Speculation: "American and Mexican Assassins"
The True Story Question: Fact vs. Fiction in "American Assassin"
The Future of Mitch Rapp: A Cinematic Return Still Possible?
Conclusion: The Lingering Hope for a Mitch Rapp Sequel

The Original Film: A Glimpse into "American Assassin"

"American Assassin" introduced audiences to Mitch Rapp, a character steeped in tragedy and driven by an insatiable thirst for vengeance. The film, directed by Michael Cuesta, aimed to capture the essence of Vince Flynn's beloved novel, laying the groundwork for what many hoped would be a sprawling cinematic universe. Its release in 2017 was met with anticipation, especially from fans of the action-thriller genre and those familiar with Flynn's extensive book series.

The movie showcased Dylan O'Brien in a role that significantly departed from his previous work, demonstrating his range as an actor capable of handling intense physical and emotional demands. Alongside him, veteran actor Michael Keaton delivered a compelling performance as Stan Hurley, Rapp's hardened mentor, adding significant gravitas to the production. The film's core appeal lay in its raw portrayal of a man pushed to his limits, transforming personal grief into a weapon against global terrorism.

Plot and Premise: Mitch Rapp's Origin Story

At its heart, "American Assassin" is a revenge story. The protagonist, Mitch Rapp, experiences an unimaginable loss at a young age when his family is tragically killed. Years later, just as he attempts to move on and propose to his girlfriend, another devastating event strikes: she is killed in a terrorist shootout. This catastrophic incident fuels Rapp's transformation. Driven by an overwhelming desire for retribution against terrorists, he is recruited into a black ops unit by the CIA, led by the formidable Stan Hurley.

The film follows Mitch as he undergoes rigorous training, honing his skills to become a lethal operative. His mission eventually leads him into a high-stakes international conspiracy involving rogue agents and stolen nuclear material. The narrative is filled with intense action sequences and moments that keep the audience on the edge of their seats, embodying the thrilling nature characteristic of action-thriller films. The movie culminates with Rapp in Dubai, seemingly taking a much-needed break after the harrowing events, leaving the door open for future adventures.

Cast, Crew, and Critical Reception

The 2017 American action-thriller film "American Assassin" was directed by Michael Cuesta and featured a talented ensemble cast. Dylan O'Brien led the charge as Mitch Rapp, supported by Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, Shiva Negar, and Taylor Kitsch. The screenplay was penned by Stephen Schiff, Michael Finch, Edward Zwick, and Marshall Herskovitz, adapting Vince Flynn's 2010 novel of the same name. This strong creative team aimed to bring Flynn's gritty world to life on the big screen.

Despite its pedigree, the film received a mixed critical reception. While some praised O'Brien's committed performance and the film's relentless action, others found the plot to be generic and the characters underdeveloped. The film holds a 6.2 rating on IMDb based on 97,000 reviews, indicating a generally average reception from audiences. This lukewarm critical response, combined with its commercial performance, played a significant role in the fate of "American Assassin 2."

The Box Office Reality: Why "American Assassin" Underperformed

The primary reason "American Assassin 2" never happened boils down to the first film's underperformance, both critically and commercially. Hollywood operates on a simple principle: success breeds sequels. When a film fails to generate sufficient revenue or critical acclaim, studios are hesitant to invest further in the franchise. This was precisely the challenge faced by "American Assassin."

While the movie was translated into six different languages and garnered significant attention upon its release, this widespread awareness didn't necessarily translate into the kind of box office success needed to greenlight a sequel. The perception of "fame" or recognition doesn't always align with financial viability in the competitive film industry. Despite being an exhilarating movie filled with action, its commercial returns simply weren't enough to justify the continuation of Mitch Rapp's cinematic journey.

Numbers Don't Lie: Financial Performance

Let's look at the hard numbers. "American Assassin" grossed $36.2 million in the United States and Canada and $30.9 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $67.2 million. This was against a production budget of $33 million. While a worldwide gross of $67.2 million might seem decent compared to its budget, it's crucial to consider marketing and distribution costs, which can often double a film's actual expenditure. For a film aiming to launch a major franchise, a typical rule of thumb is to at least double its production budget at the box office to be considered a modest success, let alone a hit.

In this context, "American Assassin" barely broke even, if it did at all, after all expenses were factored in. This financial outcome clearly indicates that the film "tanked at the box office" and failed to launch a franchise, effectively sweeping the possibility of a sequel under the rug. Studios need a strong financial incentive to continue a series, and "American Assassin" simply didn't provide that.

The Netflix Effect: A Second Chance?

Interestingly, despite its initial box office struggles, "American Assassin" found a new lease on life on streaming platforms. The Dylan O'Brien film began trending on Netflix, proving to be a success in the streaming realm. This is a stark contrast to its original 2017 theatrical release. The "Netflix effect" has become a common phenomenon, where films that underperformed in cinemas gain significant viewership and popularity once they become available for home streaming.

While this streaming success indicates a strong audience interest in the film and the character of Mitch Rapp, it doesn't automatically translate into a greenlight for "American Assassin 2." Streaming platforms operate on different metrics than traditional box office. A film trending on Netflix might boost its overall visibility and reputation, but it doesn't necessarily generate the direct revenue needed to fund a high-budget sequel in the same way theatrical receipts do. This disparity highlights the evolving landscape of film distribution and consumption, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to revive the sequel.

The Enduring Legacy of Mitch Rapp: Beyond the Big Screen

Even without a cinematic sequel, Mitch Rapp continues to be a central and beloved character for many fans. His story extends far beyond the single film, rooted deeply in a prolific and highly successful book series. For those disappointed by the absence of "American Assassin 2," the novels offer a rich and extensive trove of material to explore, detailing Rapp's evolution from a raw recruit to a seasoned and lethal operative.

The character of Mitch Rapp, as conceived by Vince Flynn, is known for his aggressive and uncompromising approach to tackling terrorist threats facing America. He is a super-agent, young, hungry, and lethal, often operating in the moral gray areas to achieve his objectives. This complex portrayal has resonated with millions of readers, making the book series a consistent bestseller and a cornerstone of the espionage thriller genre.

Vince Flynn's Vision and Kyle Mills' Continuation

The Mitch Rapp book series began with Vince Flynn's vision, establishing the character's backstory, motivations, and the high-stakes world he inhabits. Flynn's novels, including the #1 New York Times bestseller "American Assassin," captivated readers with their intensely suspenseful plots and unflinching look at counter-terrorism operations. His ability to craft compelling narratives and a deeply engaging protagonist solidified Mitch Rapp's place in popular culture.

Following Vince Flynn's passing in 2013, the torch was passed to author Kyle Mills, who has continued the series with great success. Mills has faithfully maintained the essence of Mitch Rapp while introducing new challenges and expanding the character's universe. This continuity ensures that fans still have a vibrant and evolving narrative to follow, even if a return to the big screen for the character remains an unfulfilled desire. The novels remain the definitive source for Mitch Rapp's adventures, offering far more depth and scope than any single film could provide.

Unanswered Questions: Was "American Assassin 2" Ever in the Works?

Given the first film's underperformance, the straightforward answer to whether "American Assassin 2" was ever truly in the works is largely no. The film was promptly swept under the rug after its original release, and there have been no official announcements made by the makers of the movie about a release date or production plans. While some fleeting rumors and fan speculation might suggest "strong chances" of a sequel being launched soon, these have consistently been contradicted by the lack of concrete action from the studio.

The prevailing sentiment among industry observers is that "American Assassin 2" isn't in the works, nor does it seem like it will ever be made. The failure to launch a franchise after the first film's critical and commercial struggles effectively closed the door on immediate sequel plans. Hollywood studios are notoriously risk-averse, especially when it comes to investing hundreds of millions in a franchise that didn't find its footing from the outset. Therefore, despite any lingering hopes, the reality is that a direct sequel was never actively developed after the initial disappointment.

Rumors and Speculation: "American and Mexican Assassins"

Despite the grim reality of "American Assassin 2" not being in development, rumors have occasionally surfaced, keeping a sliver of hope alive for dedicated fans. One notable rumor suggested a potential sequel titled "American and Mexican Assassins" was in the works. This title, if true, would imply an expansion of Mitch Rapp's operational scope, perhaps introducing new characters or international alliances. Such a sequel would promise more intense action, intricate plotlines, and deeper character exploration, building on the foundation laid by the first film.

However, it is crucial to emphasize that there has been no official confirmation or cancellation regarding these rumors. Fans are left in suspense, wondering if they will ever see Mitch Rapp's further adventures on the big screen. While the concept of "American and Mexican Assassins" sounds intriguing and could potentially adapt one of the best Mitch Rapp books, the lack of any official word makes it highly unlikely. In the absence of concrete news, these rumors remain just that—speculation fueled by fan desire rather than studio intent. The future of "American Assassin 2" remains uncertain, with silence from the production companies being the loudest answer.

The True Story Question: Fact vs. Fiction in "American Assassin"

A common question among viewers of action thrillers is whether the story is based on real events. For "American Assassin," the answer is nuanced. The film is not a true story in the sense that Mitch Rapp is a real person or his specific missions actually occurred. Instead, "American Assassin" is based on the novel of the same name written by Vince Flynn, published in 2010. This novel is part of an anthology that follows the adventures of the fictional CIA agent, Mitch Rapp.

However, the narrative is indeed "inspired by a tragic event." Specifically, the backdrop of terrorism and the devastating impact it has on individuals and society draws from real-world incidents. The Spanish-language data mentions inspiration from the 2015 Tunisia beach terrorist attacks, where terrorists opened fire. While the film's plot is fictional, its emotional core—Mitch's personal loss and his subsequent drive to combat terrorism—resonates with the very real pain and fear caused by such global events. This blend of fictional narrative with real-world thematic inspiration gives "American Assassin" a grounded, albeit dramatic, edge that makes it feel plausible to audiences.

The Future of Mitch Rapp: A Cinematic Return Still Possible?

Despite the clear indications that "American Assassin 2" is not happening, the question of Mitch Rapp's future on the big screen lingers. Fans of the character, particularly those who have delved into Vince Flynn's extensive novel series, yearn to see more of his adventures adapted for film or television. While the 2017 film didn't launch the intended franchise, the enduring popularity of the books and the character himself suggests that there might still be a path for Mitch Rapp to return to live-action.

The landscape of entertainment is constantly evolving. With the rise of streaming services and the increasing demand for high-quality serialized content, a television series could potentially offer a more suitable format for adapting the rich and complex narratives of the Mitch Rapp books. A series would allow for deeper character exploration, more intricate plotlines, and the ability to adapt multiple novels without the pressure of a single blockbuster film's box office performance. While a traditional theatrical "American Assassin 2" seems highly improbable, the possibility of a reboot or a new adaptation in a different format remains a tantalizing prospect for fans. As of now, however, a return to the big screen for the character remains an unfulfilled dream, leaving fans to revisit the novels for their Mitch Rapp fix.

Conclusion: The Lingering Hope for a Mitch Rapp Sequel

The story of "American Assassin 2" is, unfortunately, a tale of unfulfilled potential. The first film, despite its engaging premise and a committed performance from Dylan O'Brien, simply failed to garner the critical and commercial success necessary to launch a lasting franchise. Its modest box office returns, combined with mixed reviews, led to the decision to promptly sweep the sequel under the rug, making it clear that "American Assassin 2" isn't in the works and is unlikely to ever be made.

However, the legacy of Mitch Rapp endures. Thanks to Vince Flynn's captivating novels, continued by Kyle Mills, fans have a rich and expansive universe to explore, ensuring the character's journey continues in print. While rumors of a potential "American and Mexican Assassins" sequel have surfaced, they remain unconfirmed, leaving fans in a perpetual state of suspense. The shift in the film's fortunes from theatrical underperformer to Netflix success highlights the changing dynamics of audience consumption, yet it hasn't been enough to revive the cinematic sequel.

For now, the big screen return of Mitch Rapp remains an elusive dream. Fans must turn to the pages of the acclaimed book series to follow the relentless operative's adventures. Do you think Mitch Rapp deserves another shot on screen? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know which Vince Flynn novel you'd love to see adapted next!

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