After more than a decade of silence, John Carter 2: Rise of Barsoom finally brings audiences back to the red deserts, floating cities, and ancient mysteries of Mars. And surprisingly — it’s bigger, bolder, and far more confident than the original.

🎬 Story

The film picks up years after John Carter’s return to Barsoom. Peace has crumbled as a mysterious energy known as The Red Pulse begins consuming entire regions of the planet. Civilizations are on the brink of collapse, and ancient prophecies speak of a “Shadow King” awakening beneath the ruined cities of Helium.

John Carter is once again torn between being a warrior and a reluctant savior. When Dejah Thoris uncovers ancient scrolls linking Earth and Barsoom, John realizes that The Red Pulse may be connected to his own origin and why he was chosen.

💥 Action & World-Building

“John Carter 2” excels in visual spectacle:

• 🐍 A colossal sand serpent ambush beneath the crimson dunes

• 🏜️ A chase across floating rock islands

• ⚔️ A brutal arena fight against genetically enhanced Tharks

• 🛡️ The final battle against the Shadow King in a collapsing underground city

The film restores the mythic sci-fi fantasy scale that fans always wanted.

🧡 Characters

• Taylor Kitsch returns with more maturity, giving Carter a wounded, heroic charm.

• Lynn Collins as Dejah Thoris steals every scene — now a warrior-scientist queen with deeper agency.

• Willem Dafoe’s Tars Tarkas offers most of the film’s heart.

• The villain, the Shadow King, delivers an intimidating, ancient threat tied to Barsoom’s lost history.

🌑 Themes

The sequel digs into destiny, ancient civilizations, interplanetary connection, and the sacrifices required to rebuild a dying world.

It’s not just an adventure — it’s a story about legacy, hope, and a planet fighting for survival.

⭐ Verdict

“John Carter 2: Rise of Barsoom” is an ambitious revival that finally taps into the epic potential of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ universe. It’s faster, more emotional, and visually richer than the original.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
A triumphant return to Barsoom that fans have waited years for.