6 Ways Rebel Ridge Sets Up A Sequel

Netflix's Rebel Ridge seemingly has a well-rounded story, but it paves the way for a potential sequel in more ways than one. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge faced several production challenges before it landed on Netflix. Its production started in 2019 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years later, when the movie's filming was finally about to begin, it faced another pitfall when John Boyega, initially cast to play its leading role, backed off from the project.

Fortunately, the third time was a charm for Rebel Ridge after its filming ensued soon after Aaron Pierre was cast as John Boyega's replacement. Although Rebel Ridge took some time to see the light of day, Jeremy Saulnier's patience paid dividends since the film not only has an impressive critical score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes but has also been trending on Netflix. Since Netflix seemingly needs a successful action franchise under its belt, Rebel Ridge can perfectly fill the gap. The film also sets up some story elements that can be expanded into a full-fledged sequel.

6 Rebel Ridge Follows Reacher-Esque Narrative Structure

It Can Repeat The Same Formula With Every Installment

Rebel Ridge has been compared with Lee Child's Jack Reacher stories, and understandably so. Although the Reacher franchise is far more action-packed and less political with its approach, several similarities exist between Jack Reacher and Rebel Ridge's Terry Richmond. Owing to these similarities, it is hard not to see how Rebel Ridge could follow Reacher's storytelling format. Instead of directly continuing the story beats set by its predecessor, Rebel Ridge 2 could unfold in a new small town, following a new challenge for Terry Richmond.

Just like Jack Reacher finds trouble every time he moves to a new location in all new installments of the Lee Child book series, Terry Richmond could run into a new set of criminals or corrupt law enforcers who need to be dealt with. Using his non-lethal methods of vigilantism, he could move from one small town to another with each new sequel, hoping to make the world a better place. With this approach, each new addition to the franchise could have a fresh narrative that focuses on a new set of real-world systemic issues.

5 Rebel Ridge Ends On An Ambiguous Note

The Ending Suggests Terry Hasn't Completely Evaded Trouble

Towards Rebel Ridge's ending moments, many police officers realize that Chief Sandy has taken things too far. Therefore, instead of taking down Terry Richmond's vehicle, they give him a police escort. As soon as Terry reaches the hospital, he first takes Summer inside and then returns to the car to extract its camera. He does this because the camera contains evidence that Chief Sandy shot a fellow police officer.

While the camera's recording may be enough to get Chief Sandy arrested, Richmond, too, could face legal repercussions after the film's events. A sequel could explore the aftermath of the first film's story, where Richmond either tries to prove his innocence while staying on the run or ends up in prison. If the latter happens, Terry Richmond could also avenge his cousin's death in Rebel Ridge 2 by punishing those who killed him.

4 Many Aspects Of Terry's Past Are Still Shrouded After Rebel Ridge

Terry's Marine Corps Past Would Make Up A Great Followup Prequel

One of the best moments in Rebel Ridge is when Officer Jessica Sims looks up Terry Richmond's name on Wikipedia and learns about his martial arts background from the MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). This instantly makes Officer Steve realize that he may be far more formidable than they previously anticipated. Since the film does not reveal anything else about his past in the Marine Corps, Rebel Ridge 2 could unfold more as a prequel, walking through how he developed his sense of justice and learned to adopt non-lethal methods of escalation.

3 Rebel Ridge's Ending Sets Up A Potential Character Team-Up For Future Installments

Terry, Summer, Jessica, & Evan Could Join Forces In A Sequel

Summer McBride is the only character in Rebel Ridge who goes out of her way to help Terry. However, she, too, is later forced to hold herself back after the local police officers frame her. Rebel Ridge's ending also reveals that even though Officer Evan Marston seized Terry's money in the film's opening arc, he was always among the more morally righteous police officers in the police force. He served as Summer's informant and gave her all insider information about the corruption that was rampant in the police department.

Throughout Rebel Ridge, Officer Jessica Sims also tries to fulfill her responsibilities as a police officer by following Chief Sandy's orders. However, she eventually stands for what is right by arresting Chief Sandy. In a potential sequel, Sims, Marston, McBride, and Richmond could team up to take down bigger criminal networks run by the police. Their combined effort could form a formidable alliance, allowing them to have a well-rounded set of skills to fight against entrenched corruption.

2 Rebel Ridge Hints Shelby Springs Isn't The Only Town With A Corrupt Police Force

Sandy Briefly Talks About His Relationship With Other PDs

After learning about Terry Richmond's capabilities and past, Don Johnson's Chief Sandy initially tries to de-escalate the situation while taking him to the hospital where his cousin was transferred. During the journey, he tells Richmond about the police department's secrets by revealing that they sell non-lethal weapons to other PDs to earn profits. This scene establishes that he has good relationships with other PDs and has created a solid network of corrupt police officers.

Related

What MCMAP & PACE Mean In Rebel Ridge

Rebel Ridge presents several intriguing acronyms, like MCMAP & PACE, throughout its runtime, which hold immense significance in its overarching story.

Following Chief Sandy's arrest in Rebel Ridge, the officers from other PDs doing business with him could have a grudge against Terry Richmond for taking their network down. This could not only prompt them to help Chief Sandy but also encourage them to target Terry and everyone who helped him. With this, Rebel Ridge 2 could walk through Terry Richmond's battle against bigger players in law enforcement, which would perfectly raise the stakes for a potential sequel movie.

1 Officer Steve Lann & Chief Sandy Would Want Revenge After Rebel Ridge's Ending

Steve & Sandy May Not Let Terry Get Away So Easily

Throughout Rebel Ridge's runtime, Terry Richmond applies the least amount of force because he understands how his own actions could eventually land him in serious trouble. A part of him also believes that justice will eventually prevail. Therefore, instead of instantly losing faith in the police force after his initial encounters, he patiently waits for the good police officers to stand up for him. However, when it comes to Emory Cohen's Officer Steve Lann, Terry Richmond finally loses his patience towards Rebel Ridge's ending moments.

When the opportunity arises, he brutally beats him up before fleeing the scene in a police car. Steve also manages to hold on to the car, but Summer pushes him off before he can cause any harm. After taking such a vicious beating from Terry, Steve would want revenge. He could convince Chief Terry in Rebel Ridge 2 to formulate an even bigger plan to take down the former Marine.