Sequel to Denzel Washington Classic "Crimson Tide" in the Works

Denzel Washington Could Return for "Crimson Tide 2"

By Konstantin Koos on 3 min reading time

It is one of the best submarine thrillers in film history: "Crimson Tide" with Denzel Washington, directed by Tony Scott. As part of the promotional tour for the current cinema blockbuster "F1", producer Jerry Bruckheimer was a guest on the Rich Eisen Show – and revealed that a sequel to "Crimson Tide" is currently in development! Bruckheimer naturally also talked about whether Denzel Washington could return for "Crimson Tide 2". The producer is optimistic:

"If we give him a good script, I think he'd do it."

A source from the industry portal Variety also claims to have learned that Washington's involvement would depend on the script. Bruckheimer did not reveal who will be writing "Crimson Tide 2". However, it has already been decided internally who will direct and write the script. At the moment, talks are being held with the Navy about what is currently "going on under the water."

Crimson Tide

The 1995 classic marked the first collaboration between the successful duo Denzel Washington and Tony Scott. "Crimson Tide" impresses with its dense atmosphere and strong dialog. Alongside Washington as the idealistic executive officer, Gene Hackman takes center stage as the experienced but stubborn captain of a US nuclear submarine. When an order for a possible nuclear attack is received incompletely, a psychological power struggle breaks out in the confines of the submarine – between obedience and moral responsibility.

"Crimson Tide" not only impresses with its acting performances, but also with its powerful screenplay, accompanied by Hans Zimmer's score. The film is considered a modern classic of the military thriller, which skillfully combines moral questions with nerve-wracking suspense. Crimson Tide" is also one of the best-known submarine films. This also includes the Jack Ryan film "The Hunt for Red October" with Sean Connery. Another important representative of the genre is the German production "Das Boot" by Wolfgang Petersen.

Modelled After "Top Gun: Maverick"?

It will be exciting to see who will take over from Tony Scott in the sequel. The director, who died in 2012, had a significant influence on modern action cinema. His style was characterized by fast cuts, intense colours and a dense atmosphere. He became famous in 1986 with the action classic "Top Gun", which made Tom Cruise a superstar.

With "Top Gun: Maverick", Bruckheimer has already proven that he can make a late sequel to a Scott classic. The film by "F1" director Joseph Kosinski is one of the best action films of recent years. Currently, it's purely speculation as to who will direct Crimson Tide 2. However, based on this story, Joseph Kosinski is probably not a completely unlikely scenario. Due to the early stage of development, it is not yet possible to predict when the film will ultimately be released.

The successful duo Denzel Washington & Tony Scott

Tony Scott and Denzel Washington have worked together successfully on several occasions, forming one of the most distinctive director-actor duos in action cinema of the last 30 years.

"Man on Fire" & "Déjà Vu"

After "Crimson Tide" laid the foundation for their creative partnership, "Man on Fire" followed in 2004. Here, Washington took on the role of a depressed ex-elite soldier who is hired as a bodyguard for a little girl in Mexico City. When the child is kidnapped, his character unleashes a merciless campaign of revenge. Scott directed the story with raw energy, fast cuts and stylized images – a visual style that he developed further in the following years.

In 2006, the science fiction thriller "Déjà Vu" was released. Here, Washington plays an investigator who uses experimental technology to look into the past in order to prevent an assassination attempt. Scott combined fast-paced action with a complex narrative structure and a philosophical undertone about fate and decisions. Washington's presence harmonized perfectly with Scott's visual style, which became increasingly experimental.

"The Taking of Pelham 123" & "Unstoppable"

In "The Taking of Pelham 123", Washington starred as a train dispatcher against a criminal hijacker (John Travolta). The film was a remake of the 1970s classic of the same name and impressed with its high level of suspense, fast-paced narrative and the intense duel between the two main characters. Washington embodied the everyday man who rises above himself in an extreme situation – a recurring motif in his collaboration with Scott.

Their partnership concluded with 2010's "Unstoppable", an action-packed thriller about an out-of-control freight train. In it, Washington played an experienced railwayman who, together with a young colleague (Chris Pine), tries to prevent the catastrophe. The film was praised not only for its spectacular staging, but also for the human drama at the heart of the plot. "Unstoppable" was Tony Scott's last feature film before his death in 2012.