Is R.I.P.D. 2 A Prequel To The First One? Unpacking The Wild West Story
Have you ever found yourself watching a movie, a new one perhaps, and then a thought just pops into your head: "Wait, is this supposed to come before or after something else I've seen?" Well, when it comes to the world of supernatural law enforcement, especially with a film titled R.I.P.D. 2, that question comes up a lot. It's a very common thing to wonder, particularly with comic book adaptations that might jump around in their timeline.
The original R.I.P.D. movie, which came out in 2013, brought us into a rather unique police department for the deceased. It was, you know, a bit of a surprise when word got around about a follow-up. For many, the first film, based on the Dark Horse comic book series, did not quite hit the mark with audiences, and it was, in a way, one of the more expensive films that did not do well financially.
So, when R.I.P.D. 2, also known as Rise of the Damned, showed up, it naturally sparked some curiosity. People started asking, "Is R.I.P.D. 2 a prequel to the first one?" or "Does this new movie continue the story, or does it tell us something that happened before?" We are here to clear that up, and actually, it is quite interesting how it all fits together.
Table of Contents
- The Big Question: Prequel or Sequel?
- Stepping Back in Time: Roy's Origin Story
- What is R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned About?
- The Cast Behind the Characters
- Where to Watch R.I.P.D. 2
- Reception and Standing Alone
- Why a Prequel Now?
The Big Question: Prequel or Sequel?
Let's get straight to the point that many people are wondering about. R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is, in fact, a prequel to the 2013 film. This means it tells a story that happened before the events of the first movie. It is, you know, a bit like going back in time to see how things started, rather than seeing what happens next. The title might make you think it is a sequel, but the content of the film definitely places it earlier in the timeline. It is, actually, a common thing for film series to do, to go back and show an earlier part of a character's life.
This film is based on the same Dark Horse comic book series as the first one. So, it expands on that world by showing us events from a different time period. The story, very simply, takes place in the American Old West, specifically in 1876. This setting alone gives a strong hint that it is not a direct continuation of the modern-day events we saw in the first film. It is, arguably, a clever way to expand the story without needing to bring back the original cast or continue a plot that, you know, some people did not connect with as much.
Universal Pictures, the studio, even debuted the first trailer and poster for R.I.P.D.: Rise of the Damned, making it clear that it is, indeed, a prequel. They were quite open about this from the start, which helped clear up some of the initial confusion. It is, perhaps, a smart move to tell a new story within the same universe, but from a fresh angle, and that is what they did here.
Stepping Back in Time: Roy's Origin Story
One of the most interesting things about R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is that it tells the origin story of a character we met in the first film: Roy Pulsipher. In the 2013 movie, Roy, played by Jeff Bridges, was a seasoned officer of the R.I.P.D., a bit gruff and with a lot of experience. This new film, very much, shows us how he got to be that way.
The prequel shows Roy's earlier life, before he became the veteran officer we knew. It depicts his death, which is, you know, a key event for anyone joining the R.I.P.D. He dies at the hands of a gang of outlaws, and after that, he is drawn into the R.I.P.D. division. This is the moment his journey as a resurrected sheriff begins.
In R.I.P.D. 2, Jeffrey Donovan steps into the role of a younger Roy Pulsipher. He plays the character known as Roicephus “Roy” Pulsipher. This allows the film to explore his early days, his first experiences with the R.I.P.D., and how he started to fight against the undead forces. It is, actually, a way to give fans a deeper look into a character they already knew, but from a completely different point in his life. You get to see, in a way, his "first undead rodeo," as some might call it.
What is R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned About?
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is set in the American West of 1876. The film centers around the creation of the R.I.P.D. itself, or at least, the early days of its operations. It shows the challenges faced by this unique police force as they begin their work. The story, you know, highlights the bureaucratic battles that can happen even in the afterlife, along with internal conflicts among the officers.
The main plot involves Roy Pulsipher, played by Jeffrey Donovan, teaming up with another R.I.P.D. officer named Jeanne, played by Penelope Mitchell. Together, they work to save humanity from powerful undead forces. The film, in some respects, focuses on their early struggles against these supernatural threats. It is, basically, a tale of two resurrected law enforcers trying to keep the world safe from things that go bump in the night, or rather, things that come back from the dead.
The movie is directed by Paul Leyden. It builds on the ideas from the popular comic book series, bringing a Western twist to the supernatural action. The film, very much, shows us how the R.I.P.D. got started and the kinds of problems they faced in their beginnings. It is, arguably, a different kind of story than the first film, but it fits into the same overall universe, just in an earlier time. It is, you know, about the very first steps of this special police unit.
The Cast Behind the Characters
For R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned, the cast is different from the first film. Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges, who were the stars of the 2013 R.I.P.D. movie, are not in this Netflix prequel. This is, you know, a common thing when a new story is set in an earlier time or focuses on different characters.
The main role of Roy Pulsipher is taken on by Jeffrey Donovan. He is known for his work in shows like Burn Notice, and here he plays the younger version of the supernatural cop. This allows the film to show Roy's earlier life and experiences without needing the original actor. It is, actually, a good way to give the audience a fresh face for a familiar character.
Other actors in the film include Penelope Mitchell, who plays Jeanne, Roy's fellow R.I.P.D. officer. Rachel Adedeji and Evlyne Oyedokun are also part of the cast. Richard Brake, known for his roles in various films, also has a part in this movie. The team behind the film brought in a new group of performers to tell this prequel story. It is, basically, a fresh take with new talent, and that is what you get when a new story is told in an existing world.
Where to Watch R.I.P.D. 2
If you are looking to watch R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned, you can find it available to stream on Netflix. It was released directly to the home video market, which often means it goes straight to streaming services or for purchase rather than a wide theatrical release. This is, you know, a very common path for many films today, especially those that are part of an existing franchise but might not have the same budget or expectations as a big blockbuster.
Many people discovered the film streaming on Netflix, which is where it gained a lot of its viewership. The studio released the first trailer for the movie, making it clear it would be coming out on home video. So, it was not a surprise theatrical release. It is, actually, quite convenient for viewers to be able to watch it from their homes. You can, for instance, just open up Netflix and find it there.
For those who want to see what critics and audiences think, you can find reviews, ratings, and trailers for R.I.P.D.: Rise of the Damned on Rotten Tomatoes. This platform provides scores and feedback, which can help you decide if the film is something you would enjoy. It is, perhaps, a good place to get a sense of the movie's reception before you watch it yourself. You can stay updated with critic and audience scores there, which is, you know, a helpful resource for many movie watchers. Learn more about movie reviews and ratings on sites like Rotten Tomatoes.
Reception and Standing Alone
The first R.I.P.D. film, which came out nearly a decade ago, was generally not liked by many. It was, in a way, one of the most expensive films that did not do well at the box office. So, when R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned came out, there were, you know, some mixed feelings. Some people were curious, while others might have had lower expectations given the first film's reception.
The team behind this surprise spinoff, R.I.P.D. 2, seemed to understand a key rule of prequels: they should stand on their own. They should not, in a way, endlessly call back to the original movie. This means the film tries to tell its own story without relying too much on the audience remembering or even liking the first one. It is, basically, a fresh start in an earlier time. My wife, for example, got about 25 minutes into it and declared that R.I.P.D. 2 was the opposite of a movie, which, you know, shows some strong feelings.
Some viewers found it acceptable for a direct-to-market release, especially if they had enjoyed the original R.I.P.D. despite its bad reviews. However, the film did face some challenges. It was not made by any of the same people who worked on the first one, which can sometimes affect how a new entry in a series is received. It is, arguably, a tricky thing to do, to make a new film in an existing series with a completely new team. You can learn more about prequels and sequels on our site, and link to this page here.
Why a Prequel Now?
It is, perhaps, a bit surprising that Universal Pictures decided to bring back the R.I.P.D. universe with a prequel nearly a decade after the first film. The original R.I.P.D. was not, you know, a widely loved film, and it did not do well financially. So, the decision to make a prequel, especially one set in the Wild West, might seem a little unexpected. It is, actually, quite a unique choice for a franchise that many thought was finished.
One reason could be that Universal Home Entertainment saw an opportunity to tell a new story within the R.I.P.D. world. They might have wanted to explore the backstory of Jeff Bridges’ character, Roy Pulsipher, in a way that felt fresh and different. A Wild West setting certainly provides that. It is, basically, a chance to show how the R.I.P.D. started and how one of its most memorable characters came to be part of it. This allows for a story that stands alone, which is, you know, a good approach for a prequel.
The idea of a resurrected sheriff returning to duty after being recruited by the R.I.P.D. offers a lot of story possibilities. This prequel, in some respects, serves to fill in some of those gaps, telling the tale of Roy's first experiences with the undead. It is, arguably, a way to give fans a deeper look into the lore of the R.I.P.D. without having to revisit the plot of the first film. It is, you know, about expanding the universe in a different direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is R.I.P.D. 2 a sequel or a prequel?
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is a prequel. It tells a story that happened before the events of the 2013 R.I.P.D. film, focusing on the origin of Roy Pulsipher.
Who plays Roy Pulsipher in R.I.P.D. 2?
Jeffrey Donovan plays the younger version of Roicephus “Roy” Pulsipher in R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned.
Where can I watch R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned?
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is available to stream on Netflix.
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