Prime Video’s latest action thriller, G20, features Viola Davis as both the President and an action hero, perfectly catering to fans of Gerard Butler’s acclaimed Has Fallen series. Known for their engaging plots and Butler’s dependable performance, the Has Fallen films have carved out a niche in the action genre, standing out amidst a crowded field where many titles, like White House Down, have not endured beyond their release year.
Since the success of Olympus Has Fallen in 2013, the franchise has expanded with two sequels and a spinoff series titled Paris Has Fallen. This continued interest underscores the audience’s enthusiasm for more stories centered around Mike Banning. Even as new installments are in the pipeline, Viola Davis’s film has emerged as a thrilling counterpart to Butler’s works, offering a fresh narrative for fans eager for action-packed entertainment.
Viola Davis’s G20 Rivals Gerard Butler’s Olympus Has Fallen
The President Faces New Threats
Available for streaming on Prime Video, G20 shares thematic parallels with the Has Fallen franchise. Viewers who enjoy Butler’s adventurous saga will find Davis’s portrayal of President Danielle Sutton equally captivating. As a resolute war hero, Sutton devises an ambitious plan to tackle global hunger in advance of the G20 summit in South Africa. This initiative, aimed at providing vital resources to less affluent countries, is met with skepticism.
Despite her altruistic intentions, President Sutton encounters fierce opposition and ultimately faces terrorist threats during the summit. Stranded from her family and tasked with safeguarding world leaders, she transforms into her own hero by outmaneuvering and overpowering her adversaries in a manner that action aficionados will undeniably appreciate.
The alignments between G20 and Olympus Has Fallen are evident, featuring a central conflict of the president against terrorists and exploring deep themes of leadership and redemption. However, G20 introduces a woman-led narrative that offers a novel twist to the well-trodden action film formula.
Impact of G20: A Potential Franchise for Viola Davis
Modest Reviews Yet Strong Audience Potential
Upon its release, G20 garnered mixed reviews, with critics largely praising Davis and Antony Starr’s performances as the standout elements. Their depiction of hero and villain respectively has made an impression, although the film’s reliance on action movie tropes has drawn some scrutiny. Presently, the movie holds a modest 52% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critiques highlighting its predictability.
Despite the early lukewarm response, the film’s engagement in the ever-popular action thriller genre suggests G20 may resonate more profoundly with general audiences than critics. If this pattern continues, it could pave the way for Viola Davis to spearhead her own action series, with the film’s optimistic conclusion leaving room for the return of President Sutton in potential sequels. Additionally, her remarkable performance at the G20 summit may attract new challenges from an array of adversaries in future installments.
Upcoming Developments in the Has Fallen Franchise
The Next Segment Will Be a Television Series
While G20 fills the action void for many viewers, the Has Fallen franchise is set to return with exciting new content. Following its successful run, Paris Has Fallen has been renewed for a second season, aptly renamed Apollo Has Fallen. This new season is expected to explore fresh locations, featuring returning stars Ritu Arya and Tewfik Jallab. Plans are already underway for filming, aimed at a release in late 2025 or 2026.
Moreover, a fourth feature film, titled Night Has Fallen, has been confirmed, although its production was delayed due to a lawsuit involving Gerard Butler against the studios Nu Image and Millennium Media. With this legal matter resolved, updates on the new installment may be forthcoming. With a new series in production and another movie on the horizon, the Has Fallen franchise looks poised for continued fiscal success, making G20 an engaging option for fans during this interim.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes