Full Breakdown
Netflix’s “Under Paris 2” Moves Into Production Amid Record-Breaking Success of Original
5/1/2026, 10:33:08 PM
Under Paris 2 Begins Filming in Southern France
Under Paris 2, the sequel to Netflix’s 2024 shark thriller, started principal photography in the south of France in early 2026. Directed by Alexandre Aja, who replaces Xavier Gens, the production is being shot under the banner Let Me Be, with Vincent Roget producing. Filming locations include coastal and river settings that will double for a flooded Paris.
Original Film’s Record-Breaking Viewership
The first film, *Under Paris*, amassed more than 102 million views worldwide, making it Netflix’s most-watched French title and the platform’s second-most popular non-English-language film. Its unexpected success—after being rejected by several French studios—prompted Netflix to green-light a sequel and expand its original French franchise.
Returning Cast and New Additions
Bérénice Bejo returns as marine scientist Sophia and Nassim Lyes reprises his role as river police commander Adil. New members joining the ensemble include Guillaume Gouix, Phillippe Bas, Manon Bresch, and Anne Marivin. The creative team also expands: co-writers Gregory Levasseur, Frédéric Garcia, William Laboury, Xavier Gens, and Fanny Talmone share credit with Aja, while Gens remains an associate producer.
Plot Premise: Submerged Paris and the Hunt for Lilith
Set three years after a triathlon-triggered shark outbreak that flooded the city, the sequel’s logline reads: “Three years after the Paris triathlon disaster, the center of the Capital is submerged.” Sophia and Adil reunite on a high-risk mission to track Lilith, the original predator, in the shark-infested Seine, where they will uncover an unexpected reality.
Official Statements from Netflix and the Filmmakers
Netflix cites internal data confirming the original’s 102 million-view milestone and describes the sequel as a continuation of a “high-impact, globally resonant story.” Alexandre Aja, speaking to press, expressed his enthusiasm for Paris and the genre, noting his long-standing desire to make a shark film and his intent to deepen the narrative. Xavier Gens confirmed his involvement as co-writer and associate producer.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love Paris, and I always wanted to make a shark movie, so it was an obvious yes when the opportunity came to take the story even deeper” — Alexandre Aja, Director
- “Netflix’s new thriller swims rather than sinks as it adds life to a genre that’s been bloodless for far too long.” — Variety reviewer
- “Three years after the Paris triathlon disaster, the center of the Capital is submerged.” — Official logline
- “Sophia (Bejo) and Adil (Lyes) reunite for a high-risk mission: to track Lilith, the original predator, in the shark-infested Seine.” — Official logline
- “After hooking viewers with French shark movie ‘Under Paris,’ Netflix is finally getting ready for another bite of the cherry as ‘Under Paris 2’ has gone into production in the south of France” — Variety
Anticipated Release
Netflix France has indicated that *Under Paris 2* is slated for a 2027 release, though a precise launch window has not yet been disclosed. The studio plans to unveil a poster and further details as production progresses.
