Havoc Proves: We Desperately Need Another Raid Movie!

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Warning! This article contains spoilers for Havoc.

Following the viewing of “Havoc”, it’s tough not to think that Gareth Evans’ highly-praised action movie series merits another installment. With Tom Hardy in the lead role, “Havoc” was one of the most eagerly awaited action films of 2025. A significant factor contributing to its anticipation was its prolonged post-production phase and the delay in its release before it premiered on Netflix. The appeal of Tom Hardy, combined with Gareth Evans’ track record of creating gripping action movies, is another reason why people were excited about the premiere of “Havoc”.

It’s debatable if the film Havoc met expectations given its moderate 66% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a mediocre audience score of 40%. However, the intense action scenes in Havoc bring to mind Evans’ popular action series that ended with two installments. Although Havoc didn’t establish a new franchise, it suggests that fans might be eager for Evans’ return to his acclaimed action movies, co-starring Iko Uwais.

Havoc Is A Reminder For Why Gareth Evans Should Make The Raid 3

Havoc Shows Potential But Struggles To Match The Raid Movies

Havoc has faced harsh criticism due to its familiar storyline, appearing to mimic numerous films within the genre. Yet, it’s been noted that, similar to Gareth Evans’ past productions, the film showcases the director’s exceptional talent for action scenes. The fast-paced and intense gun-fu fight sequences resemble what Evans accomplished with the Raid series, as they successfully transport viewers into the tumultuous atmosphere of a brutal confrontation.

In addition to being excessively violent, the action sequences in Havoc are cleverly choreographed, leaving viewers guessing unpredictably about the unfolding events. To underscore the brutality of these action scenes, Evans skillfully keeps audiences guessing about who might survive a fight. Regrettably, as numerous reviews indicate, Havoc appears to overuse CGI during action scenes, which is quite different from the director’s approach in the Raid films.

Due to the Raid movies’ impressive blend of CGI-enhanced gun battles and traditional martial arts fights, it’s challenging not to reflect on them while watching Havoc and make connections. Despite Havoc’s action sequences not being lackluster, after realizing Gareth Evans’ potential in action films, one can’t help but wish that he will revisit his skills and produce another Raid film in the future.

Gareth Evans Should Return To The Raid Franchise (Even If The Raid 3 Was Previously Canceled)

The Raid Movies Can Still Be Turned Into An Epic Action Trilogy

As a passionate cinephile, I eagerly anticipated the making of The Raid 3 after the resounding success of the first two installments. Gareth Evans, the mastermind behind these action-packed films, had visions for the third movie but opted to take a break from martial arts filmmaking for some time. He stated, “I won’t be working on The Raid 3 for a couple of years” (via Metro). Sadly, his plans to extend the Raid saga into a trilogy and bring us a third film never came to fruition.

More recently, Gareth Evans hinted at a potential comeback for The Raid series by disclosing (through Entertainment Weekly) that he reconnected with Iko Uwais after seven years, sparking an idea about what The Raid 3 could transform into. He stated that because of this encounter, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility completely and it may be worth revisiting the conversation. Evans’ comments on The Raid 3 suggest that his passion for the film project remains strong, making a return to the Indonesian action-thriller franchise after Havoc essential to complete the trilogy.

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2025-04-28 06:47