Greenland 2: Migration (2026) is directed by Ric Roman Waugh, featuring a script by Chris Sparling and Mitchell LaFortune. It stars Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis, Amber Rose Revah, Tommie Earl Jenkins, Trond Fausa, Gina Ganger, Antonio De Lima, Peter Polycarpou, Beruce Khan, Gisli Orn Garoarsson, Sidsel Siem Koch, Faraz M. Khan, Nathan Wiley, Gordon Alexander, Alex Lanipekun, Shayn Herdon, Rachael Evelyn, Ken Nwosu, Sophie Thompson, William Abadie, Nelia Valery, and Susan Eljack. 

Years after the Garrity family found shelter in an underground bunker in Greenland, worsening conditions force them to journey across the decimated surface world in search of a supposed new safe haven in Northern France. Along the way, the Garritys and their various allies quickly learn that, even years later, the surface world may actually be more dangerous than ever before. 

Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin’s performances are consistent with how they initially portrayed their characters. Despite lacking originality, their relationship dynamic is well-defined and believable. This would have been the perfect opportunity to give their characterizations further depth, so it’s a crying shame that this sequel essentially puts them through the exact same hardships. Despite facing a new set of external obstacles, their internal journies feels like a lazy repeat. The only character that’s further developed here is Nathan Garrity, now a teenager, played by Roman Griffin Davis. Like his parents, he’s a similarly likable yet unoriginal character. That said, this is a big improvement over the first film’s quiet, poorly acted child version of the character.

I appreciate that the script includes more memorable supporting characters with beefier roles this time around. Unfortunately, the script never seems quite sure what to do with any of them. There are multiple, seemingly important side characters who are built up but then disposed of awkwardly early. This wouldn’t be a problem if they were able to complete some kind of arc before disappearing. Instead, they all just die in abrupt, meaningless, or random ways. 

 Although the film struggles to explore new ideas or themes, it avoids feeling like an unnecessary sequel by, in some respects, addressing some of the previous film’s biggest flaws. Granted, it makes as many new mistakes as it fixes, but it’s nice to know the filmmakers are at least trying to deliver something a bit different. Some audiences may find that the film’s more sci-fi-leaning, set-piece-heavy approach sacrifices the grounded tone that set the original apart from movies like The Day After Tomorrow (2004). However, if you’re like me and didn’t find the original’s approach particularly mind-blowing, this new direction works in the sequel’s favor. In combination with a tight 97-minute runtime that, unlike the first film, actually feels appropriate for the story, these new directions result in a much breezier, more enjoyable experience.

Overall, this is a mixed-bag sequel that feels completely unnecessary on a story level, failing to advance its premise and characters (especially) in ways that feel truly worthwhile. However, the filmmakers succeed in improving upon the previous film on a technical level, ultimately justifying its existence. It’s better edited and shot, and generally just easier to watch. If all you want is a second helping of disaster movie mayhem, this should be a satisfying watch despite losing its grounded edge. It’s a lot dumber, but it also goes down a lot easier. I can’t say it’s as good as its predecessor, but it’s close. C+