Warning: This post contains spoilers for Bullet Train
Why Bullet Train should get a prequel instead of a sequel. The end of Bullet Train wraps up its central storyline and kills off plenty of its characters, including Tangerine and the Hornet. While the film doesn’t spend any of its time setting up a sequel, there is potential to do so by way of exploring Ryan Reynolds’ Mr. Carver, who makes a cameo appearance. However, a prequel focusing on two key characters would be better suited if the filmmakers and studio decide to expand the Bullet Train universe.
Bullet Train is filled with assassins, each of whom is tasked with retrieving or protecting a briefcase filled with money, a ransom faked by the White Death to bring everyone together on the train. Two of the assassins — Lemon and Tangerine — stand out among the rest. Brothers, the pair spend the entirety of the film’s runtime bickering, poking fun at each other, and defending one another from other attackers. Portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lemon and Tangerine’s consistent banter is fun and comical. They are easily the best characters in the film, bringing a sense of history and camaraderie that the rest of Bullet Train doesn’t necessarily possess.
While it would be easy for Bullet Train to get a sequel about another one of Ladybug’s unlucky adventures, it would be better if a prequel were made about Lemon and Tangerine’s exploits. Bullet Train already revealed a couple of their previous missions, including one in Bolivia that led them to work for the White Death to begin with. Considering how long they’ve known each other, their closeness, and their prior jobs together as assassins, a prequel could delve further into their characters’ history. Bullet Train merely scratched the surface and, since Tangerine was killed off by the end of the film, a prequel would bring him back to work alongside his brother.
Why A Lemon & Tangerine Prequel Would Work Better Than A Sequel
A potential Bullet Train sequel would bring Ladybug back, but Lemon and Tangerine are arguably more entertaining characters. Perhaps it’s because they’re a duo who have a deeper relationship than any of the other characters in the film, but they light up the screen with their arguments and need to protect each other despite everything. Getting a sequel about another one of Ladybug’s missions would be redundant and viewers aren’t invested in Ryan Reynolds’ Carver enough to warrant an entire film about him. Rather, a potential Bullet Train prequel would see more of Lemon and Tangerine’s dynamic working and personal relationship. It’s also possible the audience could learn more about why Lemon loves Thomas the Tank Engine so much. Lemon and Tangerine are great together and are often the highlight of Bullet Train, having some of the same misfortune that often plagues Ladybug in his endeavors.
A prequel with more from (and about) the brothers would make for an interesting and likely entertaining film, especially as their shenanigans together would be filled with enjoyable banter and some nonsense. Currently, there are no plans for either a prequel or sequel for Bullet Train. But if the film is successful enough, the action flick might get an expanded universe similar to John Wick or Netflix’s plans for The Gray Man franchise. A Bullet Train prequel about Lemon and Tangerine wouldn’t be strictly necessary, but it’s a better idea than a sequel considering the way the film ends.