John Carter 2: The Gods of Mars picks up after the events of John Carter (2012), adapting the second book in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom series. After being mysteriously transported back to Earth at the end of the first film, John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) has spent years searching for a way to return to Barsoom (Mars) and reunite with his love, Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins).
The film opens with Carter finally succeeding in his quest, awakening in the dark and treacherous Valley Dor, the supposed Martian afterlife. There, he discovers that Barsoom is in greater danger than ever. A powerful new enemy—the Holy Therns, a secretive and godlike race that manipulates Martian civilization—controls the planet from behind the scenes, deceiving its people into servitude and worship.
With the help of his old ally, Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe), and a new ally, Thuvia of Ptarth (potential new character casting), Carter embarks on a perilous journey to expose the Therns’ deception and rally Barsoom’s divided nations. Meanwhile, Dejah Thoris, now a captive of the Therns, seeks to outmaneuver them from within their stronghold.
The climactic battle sees Carter leading a rebellion to liberate Barsoom from the Therns’ grasp. However, the film ends on a cliffhanger as a greater cosmic threat is revealed, setting the stage for a third installment.
Fans of the original John Carter film and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ books have long awaited a sequel. If executed well, John Carter 2 could revitalize the franchise, proving its place as a sci-fi epic alongside Star Wars and Dune.
English