Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, and Dan Stevens
After more than a decade of silence following the cult resurgence of the 2012 original, John Carter 2: Warlord of Mars (2026) makes a bold return to the red sands of Barsoom. Building on Edgar Rice Burroughs' enduring science-fantasy legacy, this long-awaited sequel seeks to deliver what the first film hinted at: epic battles, interplanetary romance, and a hero torn between two worlds.
The story picks up several years after John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) reclaimed his place on Mars and united with Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). Peace on Barsoom is threatened once again — this time by an ambitious alien warlord known as Tak Than (Dan Stevens), who seeks to harness ancient Martian technology to rule the planet. As tensions mount, John must rally the divided factions of Mars, face betrayals, and embrace his role not just as a warrior, but as the planet’s unifying Warlord.
Taylor Kitsch returns with a more seasoned, commanding presence. His portrayal of Carter now carries the weight of leadership and emotional loss, making his arc more compelling than in the original. Lynn Collins continues to shine as Dejah Thoris, once again breaking the mold of the “princess” archetype with intelligence, ferocity, and heart. Willem Dafoe reprises his motion-capture role as the loyal Thark warrior Tars Tarkas with charm and gravitas, proving that the alien characters remain central to the franchise’s appeal.
Director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy, Top Gun: Maverick) brings his signature visual style to the Martian landscape, creating breathtaking vistas, high-stakes aerial battles, and intricate cities that blend sci-fi and fantasy aesthetics. The action is slick, but it never overwhelms the story. Kosinski smartly balances spectacle with substance, allowing quieter emotional beats to breathe.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its tone. Warlord of Mars embraces the pulpy roots of its source material while modernizing the pacing and character development. The script offers deeper world-building and political intrigue, expanding the mythology of Barsoom in ways that feel organic and immersive. The romance between John and Dejah remains at the emotional core, lending the story both stakes and soul.
However, the film is not without flaws. Some exposition-heavy scenes slow down the momentum, and newcomers unfamiliar with the first movie or the Barsoom novels may feel slightly lost in the dense lore. Additionally, while Dan Stevens gives a committed performance, his villain occasionally falls into one-dimensional territory.
Still, John Carter 2: Warlord of Mars is a triumphant return for a franchise that many believed was lost to the sands of time. With stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and a sense of swashbuckling adventure rarely seen in modern blockbusters, this sequel not only redeems the original’s underwhelming reception but reignites hope for future journeys to Barsoom.
