If you thought 2022’s Bullet Train was wild, hold on tight—because its much-anticipated sequel, Bullet Train Explosion, has officially detonated! Released worldwide on Netflix on April 23, 2025, the film has shattered streaming records within 24 hours, becoming Netflix’s biggest opening for an original action film this year.
With Brad Pitt reprising his role as the unlucky but endearing assassin Ladybug, and Joey King returning as the cunning Prince, Bullet Train Explosion takes the madness, action, and humor to a whole new level.
The Plot: A Bigger, Badder, Bullet Train
Set two years after the chaotic events of the first film, Bullet Train Explosion follows Ladybug, now semi-retired and trying to live a peaceful life. But when a mysterious syndicate blows up a high-speed train in Berlin—and Ladybug’s former associates are implicated—he’s pulled back into the deadly game.
Joey King’s character Prince has survived (spoiler alert!) and is now working independently, offering her services to the highest bidder. However, when their paths cross again, old rivalries and unfinished business ignite into a fiery, fast-paced battle.
The stakes are higher, the enemies deadlier, and the explosions literally bigger—making for a thrilling 2-hour ride that doesn’t let up for a second.
Brad Pitt and Joey King: Dynamic Performances
Brad Pitt once again brings his A-game, blending humor, physical comedy, and world-weary charm into a character audiences can’t help but root for. In Bullet Train Explosion, Ladybug has matured—slightly. He’s now more philosophical, quoting mindfulness mantras even in the middle of shootouts, which only adds to the film’s absurdist humor.
Joey King, meanwhile, has leveled up her portrayal of Prince, now a full-fledged villain with depth. Her performance is chilling yet oddly sympathetic, making her one of the standout characters of the sequel.
Their cat-and-mouse chemistry remains electric, and many critics are calling this one of the best action pairings of the year.
Action Sequences: A Visual Feast
Director David Leitch, returning to helm the sequel, delivers exactly what fans hoped for: gravity-defying stunts, epic fight choreography, and stunning visuals.
The film features set pieces that rival some of the best action movies of the decade, including a brawl inside a burning luxury train car, a rooftop chase in a thunderstorm, and a final act involving a hijacked bullet train hurtling toward a city at 300 km/h.
Special praise goes to the stunt team, who managed to create real, visceral action sequences without relying solely on CGI. This commitment to practical effects gives Bullet Train Explosion a gritty edge that many modern action films lack.
Soundtrack and Style
Just like its predecessor, Bullet Train Explosion boasts a killer soundtrack. Songs by artists like The Weeknd, Rosalía, and Arctic Monkeys punctuate key action moments, giving the film a kinetic, music-video feel without ever feeling disjointed.
Costume design also deserves a shoutout—Brad Pitt’s laid-back, travel-worn look contrasts sharply with Joey King’s sharp, high-fashion villain style, emphasizing their opposing worldviews.
Themes: Chaos, Redemption, and Karma
Beneath its high-octane surface, Bullet Train Explosion explores deeper themes of fate, redemption, and the inescapable nature of karma. Ladybug’s quest to “do no harm” while being surrounded by constant violence offers plenty of ironic humor but also some unexpectedly touching moments.
Several emotional flashbacks provide more background on the secondary characters, adding weight to the otherwise frenzied narrative.
In an interview with Variety, director David Leitch shared, “I wanted to make an action movie that wasn’t just about explosions and fights. It’s about whether people can really change—and what happens when they try.”
Streaming Success
Within 24 hours of its release, Bullet Train Explosion climbed to the #1 spot in 89 countries, according to Netflix’s Top 10 charts. It’s already being touted as Netflix’s most-watched action premiere of 2025, with over 150 million viewing hours clocked on the first day.
Industry analysts predict that Bullet Train Explosion could remain at the top of the charts for several weeks, especially given the lack of major action releases competing during this period.
Critical Reception
Early reviews have been largely positive. Critics praise its breakneck pacing, clever writing, and the magnetic performances of Brad Pitt and Joey King. Some have compared the film favorably to the John Wick franchise, highlighting its mix of stylish action and quirky humor.
A few critiques point out that the film’s sheer intensity may overwhelm viewers looking for deeper storytelling. But for most fans, the chaos is exactly what makes the ride so exhilarating.
Rotten Tomatoes currently gives Bullet Train Explosion a strong 89% Fresh score, while audience ratings are even higher at 94%.
Final Thoughts
Bullet Train Explosion is everything a sequel should be: bigger, crazier, and more thrilling without losing the heart that made the original film a hit. Brad Pitt continues to prove why he’s one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, while Joey King cements her status as a formidable presence in action cinema.
If you loved the first Bullet Train, this explosive sequel is a must-watch. Buckle up, because the ride is far from over—and if the post-credits scene is any hint, a Bullet Train 3 might just be speeding our way sooner than we think.
