Greyhound 2 with Tom Hanks in the works
Hanks is also writing the screenplay
Fans of Tom Hanks and gripping World War II films have reason to rejoice: the acclaimed Apple original "Greyhound" is getting a sequel – and the team from the first part is also back on board!
According to Deadline magazine, Tom Hanks will not only play the lead role of Captain Krause again, but will also write the screenplay. Director Aaron Schneider, who already directed the first part, will direct "Greyhound 2".
The plot of the sequel will presumably be set on the beaches of Normandyand take Krause and his crew on a dramatic journey to the Pacific. The aim will be to make a decisive contribution to the outcome of the Second World War. Talks with the actors from the first film are currently in full swing. For example, Stephen Graham, who recently caused a stir with the Netflix hit "Adolescence", could be back.
The first "Greyhound" film, which was released in 2020 and nominated for an Oscar, is based on the 1955 novel "The Good Shepherd" by C. S. Forester, in which Hanks played an inexperienced US Navy commander who led an Allied convoy that was attacked by German submarines after the USA entered the war. The film was well received by critics and audiences alike and was inspired by the real battle for the Atlantic. According to initial information, filming for part 2 is set to begin in January 2026. A start date has yet to be set.
War films on and under the sea: stories of courage, confinement and danger
The sea has always been a powerful stage for war films. It offers a mixture of isolation, natural violence and technical precision that can hardly be transferred to other theaters of war. Films that take place not only on the surface but also under water are particularly impressive. Tension, strategy and pure fear of survival merge here. Let's take a look at some of the most outstanding films that focus on naval warfare – above and below the waves.
"Das Boot" (1981)
Wolfgang Petersen's "Das Boot" remains the reference when it comes to underwater war films. The story of a German submarine crew during the Second World War conveys claustrophobic confinement, constant mortal danger and the psychological strain on the men in a way that hardly any other film can. The detailed set design, the almost documentary-like accuracy and the intense camera work make "Das Boot" a timeless classic.
"Crimson Tide" (1995)
Tony Scott's "Crimson Tide" relocates submarine warfare to the Cold War era. On board an American nuclear submarine, a conflict escalates between the experienced captain (Gene Hackman) and his up-and-coming first officer (Denzel Washington) over the question of whether a nuclear attack should be launched. The film unfolds an intense psychological duel under extreme pressure – under water and under the threat of a possible nuclear war.
"Hunter Killer" (2018)
In "Hunter Killer", an American submarine is sent on a secret rescue mission: A Russian president is being held captive by a general, which could trigger a world war. Gerard Butler as the commander combines tactical skill and decisiveness to defuse a fragile situation. The action is fast-paced, the tactics at sea excitingly realized, even if realism is occasionally subordinated to the blockbuster format.
"K-19: The Widosmaker" (2002)
Kathryn Bigelow's "K-19" is based on true events: A Soviet nuclear submarine suffers a serious reactor accident in 1961 and the crew must prevent a nuclear meltdown. Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson play the leading roles in this oppressive drama, which focuses less on war action and more on the quiet heroism of ordinary soldiers. The fight against an invisible threat – radiation – makes the movie particularly intense.
"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" (2003)
Although "Master and Commander" is mainly set on the surface, it is a prime example of realistic naval warfare at the time of the Napoleonic Wars. The dense atmosphere, the tactical sea battles and everyday life on the ship show how war at sea differs from land battles. With Russell Crowe in the leading role, Peter Weir directs a gripping adventure that combines historical authenticity with exciting storytelling.
"U-571" (2000)
In "U-571", American soldiers capture a German submarine in order to capture the legendary Enigma encryption machine. Although historically inaccurate, the film offers gripping underwater suspense, thrilling action and a dark atmosphere that impressively conveys the constant danger in the depths.
"The Hunt for Red October" (1990)
"The Hunt for Red October" is based on the bestseller by Tom Clancy and is set at the height of the Cold War. Sean Connery embodies the Soviet submarine commander Marko Ramius, who wants to defect to the USA with his state-of-the-art nuclear submarine. The suspenseful story revolves around deception, strategic thinking and the hunt at sea – both above and below the water. The film impresses with intelligent dialog, a strong cast and a dense web of suspense that lasts until the end.
Conclusion
Whether in stormy battles on the surface or in the dark depths of the ocean – war films on and under the sea develop an intensity all of their own. The sea becomes an unpredictable opponent, the confinement of the submarines makes the psychological pressure almost tangible. Films such as Das Boot or Crimson Tide show that war on the water is not only decided with weapons, but also with nerves of steel and the will to lead.