Why Train To Busan 2 Failed to Capture the Magic of the Original Zombie Classic

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In 2016, the South Korean zombie film “Train to Busan” was released to widespread critical praise for injecting novelty and vitality into a genre that had grown stale due to the prevalence of shows like “The Walking Dead” and movies with similar themes in the 2010s. Rather than focusing on battle-hardened survivors navigating a zombie apocalypse, this film centered around a father’s efforts to safeguard his daughter aboard a train.

14 years prior, the British zombie film “28 Days Later” was acclaimed for its unique take on the genre, transforming typical slow-moving zombies into swift, enraged creatures of destruction. In a similar vein, “Train to Busan” showcases innovative approaches in the zombie movie genre. Yet, despite their originality, both “Train to Busan” and “28 Days Later” share an unfortunate drawback when compared to each other.

Train To Busan & 28 Days Later Both Had Standalone Sequels That Weren’t As Good

The Two Sequels Ignored What Made The Originals Great

The films Train to Busan and 28 Days Later, both well-received zombie movies, spawned standalone sequels that failed to surpass the quality of their originals. For the sequel of Train to Busan, an animated spinoff was released in the same year, but the officially titled sequel was Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula. Unfortunately, this movie shifted away from what made the original unique and opted for a more conventional action-oriented zombie film, leaving those expecting further innovation in a congested genre feeling let down.

The initial film focused on a protective father who was aboard a train overrun by zombies to safeguard his daughter. Contrastingly, the independent sequel lacked such deeply personal elements. Regrettably, Peninsula fell short as it swapped the narrative of a father and daughter for an action-packed story that seemed more impersonal. Despite attempting to pack an emotional punch at the end, it was predominantly filled with zombie encounters, military actions, and lacked memorable characters.

The series that produced “28 Days Later” also featured a follow-up film called “28 Weeks Later.” However, this sequel didn’t seem to appreciate what made the initial movie exceptional. Upon release, critics hailed the opening as the best part, which isn’t surprising given it was the only segment directed by the original filmmaker Danny Boyle. Although not as widely criticized as “Peninsula,” “28 Weeks Later” still fell short of expectations. Critics agreed that it missed the emotional depth found in the original, an issue that also plagued the sequel to “Train to Busan.

Will Train To Busan 3 Mirror 28 Years Later?

28 Years Later Narrows The Focus Again

In 2025, the second sequel of “28 Days Later” was released, titled “28 Years Later.” In this movie, the remaining survivors adapt to life in a world devastated by a zombie apocalypse, more than two decades after it decimated most of humanity. The key aspect of this new production is that it centers on a father and his son, who venture off their protected island towards the mainland, where the real danger from the undead resides. This narrative bears a strong resemblance to the original “Train to Busan,” with the notable difference being a tighter focus on characters.

To earn back the praise and enthusiasm the initial “Train to Busan” film received, a potential third installment needs to make certain adjustments. Contrary to expectations, a sequel titled “The Last Train to New York ” is being developed in America, but the third film in the South Korean series will reportedly follow the storyline of “Peninsula“. Fortunately, director Yeon Sang-ho has hinted that this third movie will focus on more confined settings and less action compared to its predecessor, as stated by Game Rant, which seems like a smart move to recapture the essence of the original “Train to Busan”.

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2025-05-26 01:50