Netflix Starts Filming 'Under Paris 2' In Southern France After Record-Breaking First Installment

Why It Matters

The launch of “Under Paris 2” illustrates Netflix’s shift toward capitalizing on regional hits that achieve worldwide resonance. By turning a French‑language shark thriller into a franchise, the streamer demonstrates that language barriers are less relevant when a story delivers high‑concept thrills. This approach not only diversifies Netflix’s catalog but also strengthens its foothold in European markets where local content can drive subscriber growth. Moreover, the sequel’s production highlights the platform’s willingness to invest in higher‑budget genre projects outside the traditional Hollywood system. If successful, it could encourage other studios to green‑light similar non‑English sequels, reshaping the global film landscape and expanding the pool of internationally viable IPs.

Key Takeaways

• Netflix began filming “Under Paris 2” in the south of France this week
• Original film amassed over 102 million views, making it Netflix’s most‑watched French title
• Bérénice Bejo and Nassim Lyes reprise their roles; new cast includes Guillaume Gouix and Anne Marivin
• Alexandre Aja replaces Xavier Gens as director, with Gens remaining as co‑writer and associate producer
• Sequel slated for a 2027 global release, reinforcing Netflix’s international franchise strategy

Pulse Analysis

Netflix’s bet on “Under Paris 2” reflects a calculated pivot toward franchise‑building in non‑English markets, a tactic that has paid dividends with titles like “Squid Game.” The original’s 102 million‑view milestone proved that a well‑executed genre film can transcend linguistic boundaries, prompting the streamer to allocate a larger budget and a higher‑profile director for the follow‑up. By anchoring the sequel in a recognizable French locale while amplifying the horror‑action formula, Netflix hopes to replicate the viral momentum that propelled the first film.

Historically, Hollywood studios have been hesitant to invest heavily in foreign‑language sequels, fearing limited domestic appeal. Netflix’s data‑driven model, however, allows it to assess global viewership patterns in real time, making it more comfortable taking calculated risks on regional hits. If “Under Paris 2” delivers comparable numbers, it could accelerate a wave of similar projects, prompting competitors to scout for local IPs with franchise potential. This could ultimately diversify the global content ecosystem, giving audiences more varied storytelling while giving platforms a new lever for subscriber acquisition.

Looking ahead, the success of “Under Paris 2” will hinge on its ability to balance the original’s gritty realism with the spectacle expected of a sequel. The involvement of Alexandre Aja, known for visceral horror, suggests a shift toward more intense set pieces, which may broaden the film’s appeal beyond its French core audience. Should the sequel meet or exceed expectations, Netflix will have a proven template for turning regional genre successes into long‑term franchise assets, reinforcing its position as the premier global streaming service.