After nearly a decade since Rampage smashed its way into theaters, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is back in Rampage 2 — a colossal, globe-trotting sequel that raises the stakes with more monsters, more destruction, and a surprising dash of emotional weight.
Directed by Brad Peyton once again, Rampage 2 reunites audiences with primatologist Davis Okoye (Johnson) and his genetically enhanced albino gorilla, George. But this time, the world isn’t just dealing with a new set of bio-mutated creatures — it's facing the consequences of tampering with evolution itself.
Set five years after the events of the original film, Rampage 2 opens with a chilling discovery in Antarctica: a dormant alien parasite fused with DNA from the original mutagen. When the frozen sample is stolen by a rogue biotech corporation, it’s only a matter of time before nature takes another dark turn.
Soon, reports of strange mutations emerge in Southeast Asia, Africa, and even the oceans. A winged crocodile terrorizes the skies over the Philippines. A subterranean centipede-like titan bursts through the streets of Nairobi. And in the Pacific, something massive and intelligent begins to awaken — something not of this world.
Okoye, now working with the Global Wildlife Defense Unit (GWDU), is forced out of retirement when George is infected with a new strain of the mutagen, one that enhances intelligence rather than rage. Together, man and beast must stop a planetary-level threat that could wipe out human civilization.
Dwayne Johnson slips seamlessly back into the role of Okoye, bringing his signature charisma, humor, and boulder-sized screen presence. But this time, he’s joined by Jessica Henwick as Dr. Naomi Zhang, a xenogenetics expert who may hold the key to reversing the mutation — and who harbors her own secrets.
The standout, however, is George. Fully motion-captured once again by Jason Liles, the giant gorilla has evolved into a more complex character — capable of limited speech, tactical thought, and moments of true emotion. One sequence, where George makes a heartbreaking choice during a monster battle in Tokyo, is already being hailed as the “King Kong moment of the decade.”
Director Brad Peyton amps up everything in this sequel — from massive, multi-city action set pieces to more inventive creature designs. The visual effects, led by Weta Digital, are jaw-dropping, with kaiju-scale sequences rivaling Godzilla x Kong.
The film also balances global scale with grounded stakes. Underneath the mayhem is a story about friendship, trust, and the dangerous line between science and survival.
Rampage 2 sets up a potential trilogy-ending third film, teasing the arrival of an ancient alien species drawn to Earth by the mutagen’s signal. If this is where the franchise is heading, the best may still be yet to come.
Rampage 2 opens in theaters worldwide on August 15, 2026 — and yes, George still flips the bird.
