Movies News Talk

Morbius 2: Is a Sequel Happening? Exploring Jared Leto's Vampire Future

Will There Be a Morbius 2? Unpacking Sony's Surprisingly Persistant Vampire!

Morbius: The Box Office Flop That Won't Stay Down!

Let's be honest, Sony's Morbius (2022), starring the always-intense Jared Leto, was a critical and commercial disaster. Critics ripped it apart for its outdated plot, weird pacing, and those really dated-looking CGI effects; and with that, it only grossed $73 million domestically against a $75 million budget—a total Box Office bomb! Yet, despite all the negativity and outright hatred this film earned – the surprisingly positive response by many newer audience members really highlights the complex realities behind the initial reception; making those decisions and changes for a future production or series far more interesting.

Yet Sony seems to be hinting towards the possible continuation; this film might've completely tanked at the box office, yet some people loved it, some did not, despite the potential for sequels. With some subtle nods to other Marvel and Sony-Verse characters, the possibility for those future projects remain entirely within those theoretical possibilities, considering its unexpected success and critical re-evaluation even years after that cinematic disaster that affected several different franchises and plot elements; generating an overwhelmingly negative reception at first.

Also Read: Lady Deadpool explained: MCU potential, powers, Marvel Comics history.

Morbius 2: Officially Confirmed? Not Yet!

Jared Leto as Michael Morbius is the SSU Morbius Image

To answer that important question: No, a sequel isn’t confirmed, folks.   Those bad reviews plus poor box office numbers made Morbius 2 seem highly unlikely. That's made worse by considering those other ridiculously popular Superhero blockbusters! The current state leaves a ton of ambiguity but considering this specific context and that critical re-evaluation the potential impact from future plots remains high. Yet, there are connections that could push this project through!

Michael Morbius's links to those other Marvel and Sony-Verse characters mean he's probably appearing again–maybe not a sequel; maybe other movie appearances, in projects like Kraven the Hunter or that highly anticipated Sinister Six film! Jared Leto himself mentioned wanting a more comic-accurate costume in a Comicbookmovie.com interview– more subtle hints towards Sony’s consideration for this antihero’s role, regardless of what the earlier project might have delivered to the audiences. That’s all fuel for future ventures! Although, considering this might result in either completely rewriting this story from scratch, making changes which may even surprise some fans.

Also Read: Kraven the Hunter Trailer: A New Direction for the Sony Spider-Man Universe?

Streaming Success: A Second Chance?

Jared Leto as Michael Morbius lying on the floor in Morbius Image

After a completely terrible theatrical release (followed by an even more poorly received re-release designed to capitalize on earlier meme-culture), Morbius had a strange success, dropping onto Netflix!   That's important, too! Because the streaming release was much more successful than many would assume from such an earlier theatrical disaster; that unexpected win in digital releases created opportunities previously never considered. That alone could’ve helped change some internal decision-making procedures, within the studio, demonstrating that audience tastes are complicated and far more unpredictable than previously considered!

Those 6,971,428 streams during one specific week (from September 5-11) were massive and these numbers were more than $66 million at the box office–a major success for Netflix! It’s nowhere near Sony’s box office dreams, but demonstrates a different type of potential entirely! And now many want to know what the consequences of its unexpected digital streaming success ultimately mean; as Adria Arjona (Martine Bancroft) already expressed desire for her own character's return, leaving other major questions and plot possibilities surrounding this cinematic release which makes for interesting speculation and possibilities regarding future production!

Also Read: Spider-Man 4: Multiverse Madness, Venom, and Knull! What's Next?

Morbius 2 Cast: Who Could Return for Round Two?

Martine Bancroft working on lab equipment in the Morbius ending Image

If Morbius 2 gets made; there’s plenty of existing opportunities:  Jared Leto’s Morbius would definitely be there, only far more bitter this time, due to various deaths of those close to him in that first film, adding far more darkness into this iconic antihero.  Adria Arjona’s Martine Bancroft? Totally coming back. In Morbius' ending, she’s reborn after the deaths of various others around her; showing a key event for future stories; showing that this very character becomes critically important going forward.

There’s other characters too;  Tyrese Gibson and Al Madrigal’s law enforcement agents, perhaps working alongside the returning Michael Keaton’s Vulture (thanks to the insane time-travel hijinks from No Way Home) – or could this villainous character become a surprise ally for Morbius himself?   And that means maybe some Venom action! That crossover would be seriously intense; another layer adding many unique plots to consider; especially after the ending scenes featured!

Also Read: Venom 3: Will Knull End Eddie Brock's Reign as Venom?

Potential Storylines for Morbius 2

Jared Leto baring his vampire teeth as Morbius next to Tyrese Gibson as Simon Stroud in Morbius (2022) Image

The ending sets everything up for that showdown between Morbius and Martine. That possible rivalry matches that incredible, tragic conflict between Morbius and his now-deceased brother— adding another layer which directly affects the narrative. There’s that conflict for human characteristics against complete monstrosities,  a major aspect which develops throughout that ending plotline! The comic’s Martine, aims to make Morbius a full monster–setting a dangerous and interesting future arc; something likely to surprise and fascinate fans alike!

The post-credits scenes give further clues! The Vulture wants Morbius to be "good". Yet many believe that this setup implies that we’re going to eventually see some extremely dangerous, dramatic elements— such as a highly anticipated Sinister Six storyline, which would explain his position further as those important threads continue onward!

Other Ways Morbius Could Return: The Multiverse Factor

Split image of Morbius looking menacing and Vulture looking uncertain Image

Morbius 2 might not happen; so other scenarios have to be mentioned here. A Sinister Six film could include this vampire–an event yet to be announced! Or a multiverse entry could show this iconic character in that vast MCU landscape!   This would make many an interesting storyline opportunity; creating yet more surprising narratives which might ultimately capture some long-lost audience segments never before considered for this franchise.  

Those Venom movies and Morbius itself already cross into MCU territory with those end credits. Even introducing the extremely dark and highly anticipated Knull; this totally divisive villain from the Venom franchise is considered as that major catalyst that could ultimately reinvigorate that extremely uneven, extremely weak and unsuccessful Sony franchise; providing a very strong push to introduce several iconic Marvel characters that might add intrigue that was not available to the same level prior.

Madame Web: Is It Secret Morbius 2?

Monstrous Morbius with red eyes in Sony's Spider-Man Universe Image

Many called Madame Web “Morbius 2”. This doesn’t necessarily imply there's a direct connection – both are in Sony's Spider-Man Universe. It mostly reflects just how disliked those films actually are! Both had abysmal Rotten Tomatoes scores – Madame Web even WORSE than Morbius!

Conclusion: Morbius’ Future Remains Murky, Yet Intriguing

Venom and Knull bowing his head in Venom The Last Dance Image

Morbius’s initial cinematic failure leaves some very intense and very important questions behind. Yet even that disaster didn’t entirely kill those possibilities that remain!   Those unexpected wins on Netflix, the many threads that connected into existing Marvel lore and possibilities remain, leaving a large question behind. While a Morbius 2 remains unclear,  this character isn't completely done; his future involvement may come into several surprising opportunities that previously would never have been explored; the immense opportunities provided by the Multiverse, as well as some additional efforts to capitalize on those highly popular crossover events are truly great opportunities.

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