Let’s be real for a second. When The Painter dropped in early 2024, critics basically tore it to shreds. It’s sitting at a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is, honestly, a kind of impressive level of failure. But here’s the thing—audiences didn't care. They watched it. They watched it so much that it started climbing the Paramount+ Top 10 charts, rubbing shoulders with heavy hitters like Gladiator II and Top Gun: Maverick.
Now, everyone is asking about The Painter 2 release date. If you’re looking for a simple "it’s coming out June 12th," I’ve got some bad news: Hollywood hasn't given us that specific calendar alert yet. However, we can piece together exactly where this sequel stands based on the first film's "sequel-friendly" ending and how Paramount is handling its mid-budget action franchises right now.
The Painter 2 Release Date: When Should We Expect It?
Since the first movie landed on January 5, 2024, the timeline for a sequel usually follows a two-year cycle for these types of action-thrillers. If Republic Pictures (a Paramount subsidiary) pulls the trigger soon, we are likely looking at a early-to-mid 2026 window.
Think about it. The first film was a low-cost, high-reward play. They don't need three years of post-production for CGI dragons. They need Charlie Weber, a few silenced pistols, and some gritty locations in British Columbia. If they greenlight it by the summer of 2025, a January 2026 "dump month" release—exactly like the first one—is the most logical move.
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Why a Sequel is Actually Likely (Despite the 0% Score)
You might think a movie with zero critical love is dead in the water. Wrong. In the streaming era, "watch time" is the only currency that matters.
- Streaming Success: The movie trended at #6 on Paramount+ months after its release.
- The "John Wick" Effect: People love "retired hitman" stories. It's a formula that works regardless of what a guy in a turtleneck writes in a review.
- Low Overhead: These movies are cheap to make. If it brings in new subscribers or sells well on VOD, it’s a win.
The ending of the first film practically shouted "Part 2" at the audience. We saw the "Internship Program" mentioned—a shadowy CIA initiative that basically begs for a deeper dive. Peter Barrett (Charlie Weber) survived, his daughter Elena is in the mix, and the world-building is already half-done.
Who Would Return for the Sequel?
If The Painter 2 happens, the cast list is pretty predictable. You can't have the movie without Charlie Weber. He’s the face of the brand. Madison Bailey (of Outer Banks fame) was a huge draw for younger viewers, so her return as Sophia is basically a requirement.
Then there's Jon Voight. Love him or hate him, he brings a certain "old school" weight to these projects. His character, Byrne, is the quintessential "is he a mentor or a villain?" figure that keeps these plots moving. I’d bet my last dollar he’d be back to pull some more strings from the shadows.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Franchise
Most people assume that because a movie goes "straight to digital," it's a failure. That’s a 2010 mindset. In 2026, the strategy is different. Republic Pictures is using these films to fill the gaps between $200 million blockbusters.
There's also a massive misconception that The Painter 2 is already filming. It’s not. There was some confusion online with a different project also titled Painter (directed by Garrett Warren and starring Amber Midthunder), which is a completely separate 20th Century Studios action movie. Don't let the titles confuse you—our CIA-turned-artist friend is still waiting for his official "go" signal.
How to Track the Official Announcement
If you want to be the first to know the second the date drops, you have to watch the trades. We’re talking Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety. These aren't the kind of movies that get a big Super Bowl ad.
- Watch Paramount’s Quarterly Reports: They often mention "franchise expansion" for their streaming tier.
- Monitor Charlie Weber’s Socials: Actors are usually the first to leak "Back at it" gym selfies.
- Check Republic Pictures’ Slate: They tend to announce their January releases in the preceding October.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re a fan of the first one and can't wait for the sequel, the best thing you can do is keep the "demand" high. Stream the first movie again on Paramount+. In the world of algorithms, a sudden spike in 2026 for a 2024 movie is the fastest way to get a studio executive to pick up the phone and greenlight The Painter 2. For now, keep your eyes on the early 2026 release window.
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Source References:
- Paramount+ Streaming Charts (2024-2025 data)
- Republic Pictures Production Slates
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience vs. Critic Disparity Reports 2024