This isn’t just a bigger sequel—it’s a return to the strange, dangerous world that made John Carter a cult favorite. And this time, something far older than the Therns may be waiting beneath Barsoom.
Quick Overview
John Carter 2: War of Barsoom expands the Edgar Rice Burroughs-inspired universe with warring city-states, massive sky fleets, ancient mysteries, and a much more conflicted version of its central hero.
After returning to Earth, John Carter is unexpectedly pulled back to Barsoom when the fragile peace he helped create begins to collapse. Dejah Thoris has become a powerful queen, but uniting a divided world may prove almost impossible when an unseen force starts manipulating the conflict.
Mild spoilers ahead — nothing past the midpoint.
Carter’s return immediately creates tension. He isn’t the same warrior who left Barsoom, and the world he remembers isn’t the same either. Old alliances are breaking apart, rival city-states are preparing for war, and the Tharks once again become crucial to the struggle. But the deeper Carter gets into the conflict, the clearer it becomes that this isn’t simply another political war…
The biggest turning point comes when the mystery behind the growing chaos begins to point toward a power that predates even the Therns. That’s where the sequel shifts from straightforward space adventure into something much more mythic. But discovering what this ancient force wants is only the beginning of Carter’s real dilemma.
Meanwhile, Dejah Thoris gets a stronger role than ever. Her fight isn’t simply about protecting her kingdom—it’s about convincing enemies to stand together before Barsoom is consumed by a war nobody can control. And when Carter is forced to decide what kind of warrior he wants to become, the emotional stakes suddenly feel just as large as the battles…
What Makes It So Addictive?
The scale is the obvious upgrade. The story promises enormous aerial battles, burning deserts, alien civilizations, and returning Thark warriors, giving Barsoom a much larger sense of history and culture.
But the more interesting improvement is John Carter himself. Instead of simply charging into battle, he appears increasingly torn between his identity as a man from Earth and the legend Barsoom expects him to become.
The Worldbuilding
The sequel has room to explore cultures and locations that the original only hinted at. That expanded mythology is easily one of its most exciting elements.
The Emotional Core
Carter and Dejah’s relationship gives the spectacle something personal to hold onto. Their connection now carries the weight of an entire world, which makes every confrontation feel more meaningful.
A Spectacle Worth Watching
If the promised sky fleets and large-scale battles deliver on their concept, this could be the kind of sci-fi adventure that feels designed for the biggest screen possible.
The return of the Thark warriors is another standout. Their presence adds both nostalgia and scale, especially when the story begins pushing Barsoom toward an all-out conflict.
And then there’s the ancient power. The sequel wisely treats it as more than a simple villain reveal, suggesting a mystery with roots buried deep in Barsoom’s history. What that ultimately means for Carter is the question the movie wants you to keep asking.
Strengths
- Expands the mythology and cultures of Barsoom.
- Gives John Carter a deeper emotional conflict.
- Raises the scale with aerial warfare and massive battles.
- Brings back the fan-favorite Thark warriors.
- Introduces a mystery that goes beyond the Therns.
Weaknesses
- The ambitious mythology could become overwhelming if not carefully explained.
- The huge battle sequences may occasionally overshadow the character drama.
- Fans expecting a simple adventure may find the darker mythology more demanding.
What Viewers Are Saying
- Daniel Brooks: “I didn’t expect this to feel this massive. Barsoom finally looks like the world I imagined.”
- Emily Carter: “The return of the Tharks gave me instant chills. This feels like the sequel fans wanted.”
- Ryan Mitchell: “The mystery surrounding the ancient power is what hooked me. I need to know where this goes.”
- Jessica Moore: “John Carter feels much more complicated this time, and honestly, that’s exactly what the character needed.”
- Marcus Reed: “Those sky battles sound completely insane. This is made for a giant screen.”
- Sophia Bennett: “Dejah Thoris finally gets the kind of presence I’ve been waiting to see.”
- Kevin Adams: “It has that old-school adventure feeling, but with much bigger stakes.”
Final Verdict
John Carter 2: War of Barsoom sounds like the kind of sequel that understands why the original developed such a devoted following. It isn’t trying to simply repeat the first adventure—it wants to make Barsoom stranger, darker, and considerably more ambitious.
The strongest hook isn’t even the war. It’s the idea that the conflict may be connected to something that existed before the Therns ever entered the picture.
That mystery, combined with Carter’s emotional struggle and the promise of enormous battles, gives this sequel a surprisingly compelling identity. The ending remains deliberately out of reach here, but one thing is clear: if Barsoom truly needs a legend, John Carter may have to decide how much of himself he’s willing to sacrifice to become one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Carter 2 worth watching?
If you enjoy sci-fi adventure, fantasy worldbuilding, and large-scale action, the sequel’s expanded Barsoom mythology makes it an intriguing watch.
What is John Carter 2 about?
The story follows Carter’s return to Barsoom after its fragile peace collapses, leading him into a conflict involving rival kingdoms and an ancient power.
Does John Carter 2 bring back the Tharks?
Yes. The Thark warriors are among the returning elements highlighted in the story and play an important role in the larger conflict.
Are the Therns the main threat in John Carter 2?
Not exactly. The story hints at a much older and potentially more dangerous force, but you’ll want to see how that mystery develops.
Is John Carter 2 more emotional than the original?
It appears to be. Carter faces a deeper identity conflict while Dejah Thoris carries the enormous responsibility of trying to unite Barsoom.
