Following its successful debut last year, Australian filmmaker Luke Sparke’s dinosaur war movie, Primitive War, is set to receive a sequel. The new installment promises to delve deeper into the Vietnam conflict zone, offering a more intense and darker narrative than its predecessor.
The sequel, titled Primitive War 2, aims to expand the franchise’s mythology, where 1960s warfare collides with prehistoric predators. According to the official description, “Primitive War 2 expands the scope and mythology of the franchise, pushing deeper into the Vietnam conflict zone where 1960’s warfare collides with prehistoric predators. The sequel is positioned as a darker, more intense escalation — and more grounded war epic — continuing the series’ distinctive blend of military realism and survival horror.”
Plot and Setting: A New Chapter in Dinosaur Warfare
Set in the aftermath of the original film, the sequel follows a new U.S. platoon sent into an increasingly unstable valley. Here, competing kill zones, rival apex predators, and secret Cold War agendas converge. As containment collapses, the mission becomes one of survival, with the cost of failure threatening to extend far beyond the battlefield.
“The first film was about discovery,” Sparke said in a statement. “This is about escalation — what happens when control is lost, when nature adapts faster than military doctrine, and when the war itself becomes secondary to what’s been unleashed.”
The Creative Team Returns
According to Variety, Sparke will be returning as Primitive War 2‘s writer, director, and producer under his Sparke Films banner. The original creative team and producers are also coming back, including producer Carmel Imrie and executive producer Geoff Imrie for Let It Be Entertainment, along with producers Carly Sparke and Alex Becconsall. The team is currently targeting a 2027 release for the sequel.
This development follows the success of the first movie, which was based on Ethan Pettus’s 2017 novel. The 2025 film starred True Blood vet Ryan Kwanten and Battlestar Galactica alum Tricia Helfer. It centered around a recon unit sent to an isolated island to uncover the fate of a missing platoon, only to discover they are not alone and must face the most terrifying creatures to ever walk the earth.
Historical Context and Inspiration
The Primitive War series taps into a unique blend of historical warfare and science fiction, reminiscent of past films that juxtapose human conflict with prehistoric or fantastical elements. This narrative style can be traced back to movies like Jurassic Park, which combined modern science with ancient creatures, creating a thrilling yet thought-provoking experience.
By setting the sequel in the Vietnam War era, Sparke not only explores the chaos of war but also the unpredictability of nature when human control is challenged. This thematic exploration raises questions about humanity’s place in the natural world and the consequences of technological and military advancements.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
The announcement of Primitive War 2 has generated significant excitement among fans of the genre. With its promise of a darker, more intense narrative and the return of the original creative team, the sequel is poised to build on the success of its predecessor. As the release date approaches, audiences can expect more details to emerge about the film’s plot and production.
Meanwhile, the film industry continues to see a resurgence in interest for stories that blend historical events with speculative fiction, offering audiences a unique escape while simultaneously prompting reflection on real-world issues.
The move represents a bold step for Sparke and his team as they aim to further cement the Primitive War series as a staple in the genre. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how the narrative unfolds and what new elements will be introduced to captivate audiences once more.
