Netflix’s Shark Thriller Sequel ‘Under Paris 2’ Begins Filming

Why It Matters

The sequel underscores Netflix’s commitment to expanding high‑impact international franchises, a proven driver of subscriber growth and brand differentiation in a crowded streaming market.

Key Takeaways

• Under Paris 2 begins shooting in southern France.
• Original film logged over 102 million global views.
• Alexandre Aja replaces Xavier Gens as director.
• Bérenice Bejo and Nassim Lyes reprise lead roles.
• Sequel continues shark thriller ahead of Paris Olympics.

Pulse Analysis

Netflix’s decision to green‑light "Under Paris 2" reflects a broader industry shift toward leveraging successful non‑English properties to deepen global engagement. The original "Under Paris" shattered language barriers, becoming the second‑most‑watched foreign‑language title on the platform with more than 102 million streams. By investing in a sequel that builds on an established fan base, Netflix not only maximizes return on its original content spend but also reinforces its reputation for delivering bold, locale‑specific storytelling that resonates across markets.

The production moves to the sun‑kissed coast of southern France, with horror veteran Alexandre Aja at the helm. Aja, known for "Crawl" and "Piranha 3D," inherits a script co‑written by a team that includes original director Xavier Gens, ensuring narrative continuity while injecting fresh creative energy. Returning stars Bérenice Bejo and Nassim Lyes reprise their marine‑science and river‑police roles, anchoring the sequel’s continuity. The plot—set three years after the first film—places the protagonists in a flooded Paris, hunting the original shark, Lilith, a premise that cleverly ties into the upcoming Paris Olympics and heightens the stakes for a global audience.

From a business perspective, the sequel is a strategic play to sustain subscriber momentum ahead of the 2026 fiscal year. International franchises like "Under Paris" provide Netflix with a hedge against domestic saturation, offering content that can be localized with minimal dubbing costs while delivering high engagement metrics. As competitors double down on original series, Netflix’s focus on cinematic sequels in non‑English markets could translate into incremental subscriber acquisition, especially in Europe and Latin America where the original performed strongly. If the sequel matches or exceeds the first film’s viewership, it will validate the streaming giant’s model of scaling niche hits into multi‑year franchises, shaping content investment decisions for years to come.