Will There Be The Postcard Killings 2 (Netflix)?

The short, brutally honest answer is: highly unlikely. While The Postcard Killings found a second life on Netflix, becoming a momentary trending topic, the critical reception upon its initial release was overwhelmingly negative. The film’s source material, the novel co-authored by James Patterson and Liza Marklund, held promise, but the adaptation fell significantly short in the eyes of both critics and casual viewers. Therefore, a sequel is, for all intents and purposes, dead in the water. The financial incentive isn’t there, the critical acclaim isn’t there, and the ending, while leaving some threads dangling, doesn’t scream for a continuation.

Why a Sequel is Improbable

The path to any sequel, especially in Hollywood, is paved with positive reviews and a healthy box office return. The Postcard Killings achieved neither. Let’s break down the major obstacles:

• Critical Failure: Review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes paint a stark picture. The film garnered overwhelmingly negative reviews, citing issues with pacing, plot coherence, and deviations from the source material that alienated fans of the book.
• Box Office Bomb: The film’s theatrical release was limited and its box office performance was dismal. This translates directly to a lack of interest from studios to invest further in the franchise.
• Source Material Limitations: While James Patterson is a prolific author, there isn’t an immediate sequel novel to draw inspiration from. Creating a completely original story, divorced from the initial book, would be a risky venture considering the first film’s failings.
• Actor Availability: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the lead actor, is a busy man. He has a consistent stream of projects, and it’s doubtful he’d prioritize a sequel to a critically panned film unless offered a substantial incentive.
• Netflix’s Role: While Netflix did host the film and it briefly gained popularity on the platform, this doesn’t guarantee a sequel commission. Netflix is increasingly focused on producing original content, and acquiring the rights to a pre-existing, unsuccessful film for a sequel is an unlikely move.

In short, all the key ingredients for a successful sequel are conspicuously absent. While never say never, a Postcard Killings 2 seems incredibly improbable given the first film’s reception and performance.

Addressing Lingering Plot Threads

Even with the low likelihood of a sequel, some fans might wonder about unresolved plot points from the first film. The ending did leave certain questions unanswered, particularly concerning the motivations of the killers and the full extent of their network. However, these loose ends are more indicative of poor writing and editing in the first film than intentional setup for a sequel. It’s more likely these ambiguities stemmed from trying to cram a complex novel into a relatively short film runtime, resulting in a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion.

Ultimately, the film served as a self-contained (albeit flawed) story, and further exploration of its universe seems unlikely and, frankly, unnecessary. The film’s limited success doesn’t provide a strong foundation to build upon.

FAQs About The Postcard Killings and Potential Sequels

Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding The Postcard Killings and the possibility of a sequel, providing further context and addressing potential fan queries:

1. What is The Postcard Killings about?

The film follows New York detective Jacob Kanon, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, as he investigates the murder of his daughter and son-in-law while they are on their honeymoon in London. The killings bear a chilling resemblance to other murders occurring across Europe, all announced in advance via postcards sent to journalists.

2. Was The Postcard Killings based on a book?

Yes, the film is based on the novel The Postcard Killers co-authored by James Patterson and Liza Marklund.

3. Why was the film so poorly received?

Critics cited several issues, including poor pacing, convoluted plot points, deviations from the book, and a generally unsatisfying resolution. Many felt that the film failed to capture the suspense and intrigue of the source material.

4. Did Jeffrey Dean Morgan enjoy working on The Postcard Killings?

While Jeffrey Dean Morgan is a seasoned professional, there’s no public evidence to suggest he particularly enjoyed working on The Postcard Killings. Actors often refrain from openly criticizing their projects, but given the film’s reception, it’s unlikely it was a career highlight.

5. Could a different director or writer revive the franchise?

While a different creative team could theoretically attempt to revive the franchise, it’s a high-risk endeavor. Overcoming the negative perception of the first film would be a significant challenge, requiring a completely fresh approach and a significantly stronger script. It’s more likely a studio would invest in an entirely new project rather than try to salvage a failed one.

6. Are there any other James Patterson novels that could be adapted into films?

Absolutely! James Patterson is incredibly prolific. There’s a vast library of his works, spanning various genres, that could potentially be adapted into films or television series. His Alex Cross series, for instance, has already seen multiple adaptations.

7. What are some similar crime thrillers available on Netflix?

If you enjoyed the premise of The Postcard Killings, despite its flaws, you might enjoy other crime thrillers on Netflix such as “Mindhunter,” “The Sinner,” “Seven,” or “Prisoners.” These offer similar dark themes and suspenseful narratives.

8. Could The Postcard Killings be rebooted as a TV series?

A television series reboot is slightly more plausible than a film sequel. A longer format would allow for a more faithful adaptation of the book and the development of complex characters. However, the stigma associated with the original film would still be a hurdle to overcome.

9. Is it worth reading the book The Postcard Killers instead of watching the film?

Unequivocally, yes. The book is generally considered to be far superior to the film adaptation. It offers a more intricate plot, better-developed characters, and a more satisfying reading experience.

10. Who were the main killers in The Postcard Killings?

The killers were a pair of siblings, Pieter and Sylvia Hermans, who orchestrated the murders across Europe. Their motivations stemmed from a twisted sense of justice and a desire to punish perceived societal ills.

11. What happened to Jacob Kanon at the end of The Postcard Killings?

At the end of the film, Jacob Kanon manages to stop the killers and presumably returns to his life, albeit forever scarred by the loss of his daughter. The ending is somewhat ambiguous and doesn’t offer a definitive closure to his emotional journey.

12. Will the failure of The Postcard Killings impact future James Patterson adaptations?

It’s unlikely. James Patterson’s name still carries considerable weight in the publishing and entertainment industries. While the failure of The Postcard Killings might make studios more cautious, it won’t completely deter them from adapting his other works, especially those with stronger existing fan bases. Every adaptation is evaluated on its own merits and potential for success.

In conclusion, while the allure of a sequel may linger in the minds of some, the odds are stacked against The Postcard Killings 2. The original film’s shortcomings make it a less-than-ideal candidate for a continuation, leaving fans better off exploring other thrilling crime stories.