The global tour of Extraction 2 started with an absolute bang as Chris Hemsworth, who plays Tyler Rake, and Director Sam Hargrave visit the Philippines to talk to fans, influencers, regional celebrities, and press about their upcoming sequel to the hit Netflix action flick.
The day started with a behind-closed-doors press conference at Conrad Hotel. Select APAC media representatives and influencers were able to ask questions regarding the experience in making Extraction 2 and how different is it from the first film.
“Given that there’s a 2 in the name, we had to have twice the amount of action and amp it up to levels we couldn’t do in the first film. We always try to chase who we were and outdo ourselves,” says Sam.
It was important for Hargrave to have a compelling reason as to why a sequel was being made in the first place. He was in deep collaboration with writer and producer Joe Russo, who you might know from his works at Community, Infinity War, and Endgame, as well as Hemsworth himself to work on the script, character dynamics, and a renewed focus on the emotional core of the narrative.
The original definitive ending for the first Extraction was that Tyler Rake was really going to be dead. His story ended in a way that satisfied him. But, the cast, crew, and the studio shortly realized that they had something special and that they wanted to continue exploring Tyler’s story.
“What makes him relatable is the pain and the struggle that we all experience in different shapes and forms. I think his vulnerability which is buried deep underneath the surface of a tough exterior is what people connect with,” says Chris.
Double the trouble
In the first Extraction film, there was a memorable 12-minute action sequence that was all done in one simulated continuous shot. The filmmakers have started calling this a “oner”. It was an impressive achievement given the amount of moving elements that the cast and crew had to consider such as the change in settings, on-foot combat, vehicular action, and trying to capture all of it in the most clear and entertaining way possible.
Obviously, for Extraction 2, a oner has to happen again. Only this time, it clocks in at nearly double the amount with about 21 minutes and 7 seconds of a simulated one-shot sequence.
“Film is one of the most collaborative art forms we have. Being able to work with someone as talented and hardworking as Chris, my job becomes infinitely easier. An Extraction set is no joke to be in. We’re all exhausted and beat up after every take but we all push forward because we want to entertain the fans. This is why we make these movies,” says Sam.
Chris Hemsworth was lit on fire 8 times in filming Extraction 2
When asked about what was the hardest thing they ever had to do, the pair shared their own unique perspectives from both in front and behind the camera.
“For me, it was trying to film a helicopter landing on a moving train. We actually did that. It was so close to me that I could basically high-five the pilot. There I was holding a heavy camera, trying to fight against the strong force of a chopper landing and taking off while I was directly under it. That was a thrill,” Sam says.
A large portion of Extraction 2 was shot on location in the freezing Czech Republic. You can only imagine how hard it was trying to keep it together while being on top of a speeding train in snowy weather.
“The prison sequence was definitely a tough one for me. We rehearsed it for 3-4 months and shot it for about 4 weeks. There were instances where some of the people I trained with for the scene had Covid so we had to swap people out. It had a layer of improvisation as well,” said Chris.
Chris continued on to joke while he looked back fondly at filming “I was lit on fire about 7-8 times and I had to punch people around. When cameras were cut, I had to put it out myself. What a lovely responsibility right?”
Extraction 2 comes to the fans
Chris and Sam headed to the SM Mall of Asia Atrium for the Extraction 2 APAC Premiere and fan event. Hundreds of fans flocked to the venue as they get loud with their support for the film.
As soon as Sam and Chris made their entrance, the energy in the Atrium soared to new heights as fans were screaming to have their pictures taken, merchandise signed, and to just simply be in close proximity to the duo. One lucky individual even got to go up on stage with Chris and Sam to talk to them about her excitement and get a picture with the pair.
Local celebrities and influencers walked on the red carpet alongside some of the most prominent Asian action stars such as Malaysia’s Aaron Aziz and Iedil Dzuhrie Alaudin, and Thailand’s Ananda Everingham and Nawat Kulrattanarak.
To send us all off, Sam gave a special message “Thank you all so much for coming. The love is felt and appreciated. Enjoy the movie!”
And of course, Chris himself also had a few words to share. “Love you all. Thank you for coming! I’m so excited for you guys to see the film. We’re incredibly proud of it. We think we’ve made something pretty special and you’re gonna love it. Once again, thanks for the support, enjoy, and have a wonderful night. Love you all!”
EXTRACTION 2 premieres on June 16, only on Netflix.
About EXTRACTION 2
After barely surviving the events of the first movie, Tyler Rake is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held.
Hemsworth reunites with director Sam Hargrave, with Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO producing and Joe Russo writing. Golshifteh Farahani reprises her role from the first film, with Adam Bessa, Olga Kurylenko, Daniel Bernhardt, and Tinatin Dalakishvili also co-starring.
This is a sequel to the first film that was based on the graphic novel Ciudad by Ande Parks, from a story by Ande Parks, Joe Russo & Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. EXTRACTION 2 is produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Newall, and Sam Hargrave, with Jake Aust, Benjamin Grayson, Steven Scavelli, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely as executive producers.
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