How Paris Has Fallen Successfully Expands the Franchise Without Gerard Butler

Warning: Major spoilers for Paris Has Fallen below!

Paris Has Fallen serves as an intriguing spinoff of the Has Fallen franchise, successfully distancing itself from the Gerard Butler-led films. While the original cinematic face-off between White House Down and Olympus Has Fallen saw the latter triumph, it had the added advantage of an earlier release date. Throughout the film trilogy, Butler’s character, Secret Service agent Mike Banning, remained a steadfast presence. However, Paris Has Fallen takes a bold turn by transitioning the narrative to a television format.

This spinoff retains the signature action sequences and sharp dialogues familiar to fans, yet it delves deeper into character development. Paris Has Fallen feels akin to the pacing of 24, with its narrative centered around intense time constraints, thrilling gunfights, and adrenaline-pumping car chases. Interestingly, the show steers clear of the franchise’s tendency to demolish iconic landmarks, instead presenting its characters as much more relatable and vulnerable compared to Banning’s almost superhuman portrayal.

Strategic Separation from the Original Movie Trilogy

Absence of Easter Eggs: A Deliberate Choice

Despite being an official continuation, Paris Has Fallen adopts an unexpected approach by deliberately excluding any references to the preceding films. Notable characters such as Presidents Asher (played by Aaron Eckhart) and Trumbull (portrayed by Morgan Freeman) are absent, with no mention of the terrorist incidents depicted in London Has Fallen. The limited connections could lead one to argue that this series exists in a parallel universe distinct from its film counterparts, an unconventional yet strategic decision for the franchise.

The narrative centers on its unique storyline, making additional references feel forced rather than organic. The films are often embedded in distinctly American experiences, while the spinoff’s European setting necessitates a different storytelling approach characterized by more grounded stakes and a toned-down sense of apocalypse. This strategy allows Paris Has Fallen to carve out its unique identity without feeling like a derivative of its film predecessors.

The lack of fan service and awkward callbacks from the original movies makes the viewing experience more authentic. Anticipating a natural intersection between the spinoff and the films is complicated. Even a fleeting phone call featuring Freeman’s President Trumbull would have come off as unnecessary fan service, a distraction that Paris Has Fallen smartly avoids.

Absence of Butler’s Expected Cameo in Paris Has Fallen

Butler Remains Part of the Franchise as a Producer

While the Has Fallen films have traditionally been released every three years, fans have not seen Butler return since Angel Has Fallen in 2019. Despite his role as a producer for Paris Has Fallen, earlier speculations did not materialize into a cameo performance by Butler. The absence of references to the film series complicates any possibility of integrating his character into the current storyline.

Although Banning has connections with MI6 during the events of London Has Fallen, the show’s co-lead, MI6 operative Zara (played by Ritu Arya), would have little reason to contact him. Speculation remains regarding whether an appearance was planned and fell through due to scheduling conflicts or if producers were maintaining flexibility for a potential fourth film. Currently, the next installment titled **Night Has Fallen** is in development, but little information has surfaced over the years.

Additionally, Butler has two anticipated sequels in the pipeline: Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and Greenland: Migration.

Potential Links for a Future Season

Season Two May Forge Connections to the Films

In a bold move, Paris Has Fallen strives to establish its own individuality without heavily relying on the previous Butler films. Although a second season remains unconfirmed, the series finale hints at the show’s antagonist, DCX Capital, potentially expanding its operations to Africa for further turmoil. This could signal a shift toward a more international setting, allowing for the possibility of connecting with the films down the line. Guest appearances from characters such as Eckhart’s President Asher could introduce some linkages to the cinematic narrative.

While both the films and the television series share thematic similarities, Paris Has Fallen remains accessible to new audiences entirely. The spinoff is charting its own course, and there are opportunities for integrations that do not come across as clumsy or forced. Essentially, Paris Has Fallen is a refreshing and engaging action thriller on its own merit, and future seasons can seamlessly continue this momentum. With the film aspects of the franchise seemingly at a standstill, the transition to a television format appears to have been an astute decision. Paris Has Fallen successfully carves out its identity while offering newcomers an independent yet captivating experience.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

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14:48December 12, 2024