The Terminal List 2025 is a phrase on the lips of many fans of military thrillers and intense action dramas, signaling the eagerly awaited return of James Reece. The first season, which premiered on Prime Video in 2022, captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of a Navy SEAL’s relentless pursuit of revenge. Based on the bestselling novel by former Navy SEAL Jack Carr, the series quickly became a hit, topping Prime Video charts and garnering significant viewership. Its success stemmed from its raw depiction of trauma, conspiracy, and a soldier’s unwavering determination to exact justice. Now, as 2025 unfolds, the anticipation for more of James Reece’s story is palpable, with significant developments hinting at a thrilling expansion of this dark and compelling universe. The production delays in 2023 due to industry strikes pushed the timeline, but concrete news has now emerged, confirming that the wait will soon be over for dedicated fans.
The Journey of James Reece: From Vengeance to Redemption
The first season of The Terminal List left viewers on the edge of their seats, following Lieutenant Commander James Reece (Chris Pratt) as he unraveled a sinister conspiracy that led to the brutal murder of his entire SEAL platoon and his family. The narrative was a visceral, no-holds-barred journey of vengeance, with Reece meticulously ticking off names on his “terminal list.” By the finale, Reece had achieved his grim objective, but at a profound personal cost, including the difficult decision to eliminate his former teammate, Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch), after discovering Edwards’ complicity in the ambush. This stark conclusion set the stage for future narratives, shifting Reece from a man driven solely by revenge to a fugitive grappling with the aftermath of his actions. The character’s development from a decorated soldier to a lone wolf, pursued by the very government he once served, offers a rich foundation for continued exploration. His psychological state, the trauma he carries, and his moral compass in a world turned upside down are central to his appeal.
What to Expect in Season 2: Adapting “True Believer”
The Terminal List Season 2 is confirmed to adapt True Believer, the second novel in Jack Carr’s highly successful James Reece series. This transition signifies a major shift in the narrative, moving from a domestic revenge thriller to a sprawling international espionage story. After the bloody events of the first season, James Reece is now a global fugitive, seeking to lay low. However, his past and unique skillset make him an invaluable, albeit reluctant, asset. The plot will see him recruited by the CIA to help stop a global terrorist network. This network is orchestrated by a shadowy former Iraqi commando, with whom Reece has a complex history. His mission will take him across various continents, from the battle-scarred landscapes of Africa to the intricate political corridors of Europe. This expansion of the setting promises larger-scale action set pieces and deeper geopolitical intrigue. The new season will also delve further into Reece’s internal battles, exploring themes of redemption and the blurry lines between justice and retribution in a morally ambiguous world. Showrunner David DiGilio has encouraged fans to read True Believer, calling it an “incredible read” and a “great blueprint” for Season 2, indicating a faithful adaptation of Carr’s work. The show is expected to maintain its eight-episode format, similar to the first season.
Cast and New Faces for the Next Chapter
Chris Pratt will, of course, return as the stoic and formidable James Reece, a role that has been widely praised for showcasing his dramatic range. The cast for Season 2 is expanding with exciting new additions. Martin Sensmeier, known for his roles in Westworld and The Magnificent Seven, has joined the ensemble as Sergeant Major Otaktay, a proud and venerable warrior who stands against the abuse of power. This character is poised to add a new dynamic to Reece’s journey. Another significant addition is Gabriel Luna, star of The Last of Us, who will recur as Freddy Strain, a former SEAL Team 6 Senior Chief and current CIA officer. Strain is set to play a pivotal role in pulling James Reece out of hiding and back into the fray, suggesting a complex relationship that could be both an alliance and a source of conflict. While Constance Wu’s character, journalist Katie Buranek, seemingly died at the end of Season 1, her potential return or presence in flashbacks remains a topic of speculation among fans, given her significant role in Reece’s initial quest for truth. Similarly, Jai Courtney’s return as CIA operative Steve Horn, despite his fate in Season 1, is also something that could be explored if the narrative expands to cover past events or alternative timelines within the series’ universe. The overall cast expansion signals a richer tapestry of characters and deeper character dynamics.
Filming Locations and Production Timeline
Production for The Terminal List Season 2 is officially underway, having commenced in March 2025. This long-awaited start comes after delays, partly attributed to the 2023 industry strikes. The filming schedule is extensive, with Chris Pratt himself confirming that he would be shooting for approximately six to seven months throughout 2025. The production is taking a global approach, mirroring the international scope of the True Believer novel. Primary filming locations include South Africa, with dates spanning from March 2025 to November 28, 2025. Additionally, a significant unit shoot is scheduled for Toronto, Canada, from May 1 to August 20, 2025. There will also be some on-location shooting in Washington, D.C., further grounding the series in real-world settings. This diverse range of locations promises a visually stunning and geographically expansive season, enhancing the global espionage thriller aspect of the storyline. The extended production timeline suggests a meticulous approach to crafting the intricate action sequences and dramatic moments that fans have come to expect.
The Prequel Series: The Terminal List: Dark Wolf
Adding another layer of excitement to The Terminal List universe is the upcoming prequel series, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf. This spin-off centers on the character of Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch), chronicling his journey from a Navy SEAL to a CIA paramilitary operative. This series is slated for release in Summer 2025, offering fans a glimpse into Edwards’ past before the events of The Terminal List Season 1. Dark Wolf is described as an “elevated espionage thriller” that will explore the darker side of warfare and the human cost involved. It is not directly based on any single Jack Carr novel but was co-created by Carr himself and The Terminal List showrunner David DiGilio, ensuring consistency within the established universe. The series will shed light on Edwards’ complex character, his motivations, and how he became entangled in the conspiracy that ultimately led to his demise in the main series. While Chris Pratt is confirmed to reprise his role as James Reece in Dark Wolf, his screen time might be a minor role or a glorified cameo, given the prequel’s focus on Edwards. However, the intertwined histories of Reece and Edwards suggest that Pratt’s presence will be meaningful. Other new cast members for Dark Wolf include Tom Hopper as Raife Hastings, described as a “hunter, protector, guardian, and Navy SEAL,” and Luke Hemsworth as CIA asset Jules Landry, with Dar Salim as Iraqi Special Operation Forces officer Mohammed “Mo” Farooq. The series is expected to run for eight episodes, similar to The Terminal List Season 1.
FAQs
When is “The Terminal List” Season 2 Expected?
While there’s no official release date for the second season, it’s highly anticipated for mid to late 2026. Filming is extensive, with Chris Pratt confirming a six to seven-month schedule starting in March 2025. This production timeline, coupled with post-production work, points to a 2026 premiere.
What’s the Storyline for the Next Installment?
The second season is confirmed to adapt “True Believer,” the second novel in Jack Carr’s James Reece series. This means a shift from the first season’s domestic revenge thriller to a global espionage narrative. James Reece, now a fugitive, is recruited by the CIA to thwart a worldwide terrorist plot orchestrated by a former Iraqi commando, leading him on an international mission to uncover a deeper conspiracy.
Who is Returning to the Cast, and Are There New Faces?
Chris Pratt will, of course, reprise his role as James Reece. Taylor Kitsch is also expected to return as Ben Edwards, with a prequel series, “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf,” focusing on his character’s journey from Navy SEAL to CIA operative. New additions for the upcoming season include Gabriel Luna as Freddy Strain, Martin Sensmeier as Sergeant Major Otaktay, Tom Hopper as Raife Hastings, and Dar Salim as Mo Farooq.
Final Thoughts
The year 2025 promises to be a pivotal one for fans of The Terminal List. With the prequel series Dark Wolf set to arrive in summer 2025, providing crucial backstory to Ben Edwards, and The Terminal List Season 2 actively in production for a likely 2026 release, the universe crafted by Jack Carr is expanding in exciting ways. The shift in Season 2’s narrative to a global espionage thriller, combined with new cast members and ambitious filming locations, suggests a bigger, more complex story for James Reece. The anticipation on social media reflects a passionate fanbase eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this gritty, no-holds-barred saga. As production continues, more details will undoubtedly emerge, further fueling the excitement for the return of one of streaming’s most compelling anti-heroes.
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