A Crimson Tide sequel is in development with hopes that Denzel Washington will return. Directed by Tony Scott, the 1995 action thriller follows the power struggle between a newly appointed executive officer (played by Denzel Washington) and the veteran commanding officer (Gene Hackman) of a U.S. nuclear submarine, sparked by differing interpretations of a missile launch order.

The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics for delivering intense, high-energy suspense and sharp dialogue, thanks in part to an uncredited contribution from Quentin Tarantino, and showcasing Tony Scott operating at the peak of his action prowess. It was also a box office success, making over $157 million against a $53 million budget.

Now, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that they are developing a Crimson Tide sequel and hopes that Washington will return. The producer says they have a writer and director working with the Navy and believes that Washington will return if presented with a solid script. Read Bruckheimer’s comments or watch the video below:

We have a really good director and writer talking to the Navy right now about what’s going on under the water. If we give him a good script, I think he’d do it.

What This Means For Crimson Tide 2

Troubled Waters Lie Ahead

While a Crimson Tide sequel is not inherently a bad idea, there are multiple challenges that lie ahead. First is getting Denzel Washington to return, who has only made a few proper sequels throughout his career, including The Equalizer 2, The Equalizer 3, and Gladiator II, despite not starring in the original movie.

The absence of the late Tony Scott and Gene Hackman will also pose major challenges for the sequel, since both were integral to the original movie. However, Bruckheimer successfully produced a legacy sequel to another one of his and Tony Scott’s movies, Top Gun, so there’s every reason to believe he could do it again with Crimson Tide.

It’s unknown who the writer and director are working on the Crimson Tide sequel, but it’s a positive sign that they are talking to the Navy. The original movie was made in close collaboration with the U.S. Navy, as Scott, Bruckheimer, and others were allowed to board the Trident submarine USS Florida to perform research for the film.

Our Take On Crimson Tide 2

It Will Look Very Different

The Crimson Tide sequel should look very different from the original film, not only because of Tony Scott and Gene Hackman’s absence, but because nuclear submarines have evolved dramatically since 1995. Modern vessels feature advanced stealth technology, quieter propulsion systems, fiber-optic sonar, and AI-based threat detection. Crew sizes are smaller, automation is more prevalent, and cyberwarfare is now just as critical as torpedoes or missiles.

Source: The Rich Eisen Show