Dinosaur Carnage Returns: 'Primitive War 2' Plunges Deeper Into Vietnam

The prehistoric battlefield is set to erupt once again as the action- horror series 'Primitive War' gears up for a second installment. The original film followed a squad of American soldiers during the Vietnam War, dispatched to uncover the fate of a missing unit, only to find themselves hunted by deadly dinosaurs. Now, the franchise —adapted from Ethan Pettus’s novels—is preparing to raise the stakes with a sequel that promises to push the limits of military realism and survival horror.

Luke Sparke, who helmed the first movie as director, writer, producer, and even took on editing and VFX duties, is returning to lead the charge for 'Primitive War 2.' The same production team is on board, aiming for a 2027 release. Pettus, the author behind the source material, shared his excitement:

I had a blast watching the first Primitive War film, and I'm excited to see how the sequel goes!

Escalation in the Heart of Conflict

According to early details, the sequel will shift focus to a new group of soldiers, leaving behind the survivors from the first film, such as Ryan Kwanten’s Baker. The story dives deeper into the chaos of the Vietnam conflict, where 1960s warfare collides with the raw power of prehistoric predators. The official description teases a darker, more intense journey, with the franchise’s signature blend of gritty combat and relentless survival horror.

Director Luke Sparke described the new direction:

The first film was about discovery. This is about escalation — what happens when control is lost, when nature adapts faster than military doctrine and when the war itself becomes secondary to what's been unleashed.

The sequel follows a fresh U.S. platoon sent into a volatile valley, where rival kill zones, apex predators, and secret Cold War agendas all converge. As containment efforts unravel, the mission transforms into a desperate fight for survival, with consequences that threaten to spill far beyond the battlefield.

Building a Cult Following

The original 'Primitive War' didn’t make a huge splash at the box office, earning just $1.2 million worldwide on a $7 million budget. However, the film found new life through VOD and streaming, attracting a dedicated fan base drawn to its unique mix of genres. The franchise’s blend of military action and dinosaur horror set it apart from other creature features, helping it carve out a niche among genre fans.

With the sequel, the creative team is betting on a wider release and a bigger impact. The success of the 'Jurassic World' series has shown that audiences are hungry for dinosaur-driven blockbusters, even when reviews are mixed. While 'Primitive War 2' isn’t expected to match those box office giants, its darker tone and more violent approach could be just what fans are looking for in a fresh take on the genre.

A New Era of Dinosaur Warfare

Set in the aftermath of the first film, 'Primitive War 2' expands the franchise’s mythology and scope. The new platoon faces not only the threat of prehistoric beasts but also the dangers of a war-torn landscape and hidden political agendas. As the valley becomes a battleground for both man and monster, the cost of failure grows ever higher.

With a 2027 release in sight, anticipation is building for this next chapter in the dinosaur war saga. If the sequel can capture the imagination of a broader audience, it may leave an even bigger mark on the box office—and the genre itself.