Fast & Furious Villain Joins Bob Odenkirk in 'Nobody' Sequel

John Ortiz is the latest addition to a glittering ensemble cast in the much-anticipated sequel, Nobody 2, featuring none other than the incomparable Bob Odenkirk. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ortiz will rub elbows with familiar faces like Connie Nielsen, Sharon Stone, Christopher Lloyd, and Colin Hanks, all of them probably wondering whether they should stick to their craft or tackle action sequences on a second's notice.

For those who might be wondering who this John Ortiz fellow is, he’s made quite a name for himself in the film industry, popping up in notable films like Silver Linings Playbook and American Gangster. But for the Fast & Furious aficionados, Ortiz is perhaps best remembered as the villainous Arturo Braga from the 2009 installment—proof that every franchise needs a charismatic baddie. And yes, he did make a cameo in Fast & Furious 6—because why wouldn’t you want to squeeze in yet another payday?

As for Ortiz's role in Nobody 2? Well, that’s the million-dollar question—a mystery wrapped in an enigma, with a splash of 'we'll let you know when we're ready.' The sequel's plot is being kept under wraps like grandma's secret recipe, but we do know that it’s penned by a veritable brain trust: Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin, Odenkirk himself, and Umair Aleem. Perhaps they’re cooking up something that will elevate our understanding of revenge and home defense.

Interestingly, the directorial baton has been passed to Timo Tjahjanto, who takes over from Ilya Naishuller. Tjahjanto is not just a guy with a penchant for explosions; he’s also directed segments of the V/H/S series and the thrilling flick May the Devil Take You. Filming for Nobody 2 is already in motion, making sure we won't have to wait an eternity for our cinematic fix—targeting a theatrical release on August 15, 2025. So mark your calendars, folks!

Reflecting on its predecessor, Nobody was a delightful unexpected hit, performing far beyond the typical box office expectations, grossing an impressive $57 million on a modest $16 million budget. It turned Odenkirk—who had spent years brilliantly embodying the slimy but lovable Saul Goodman—into an action hero of sorts, adding a fascinating twist to a résumé that was already richer than a double fudge cake.

The narrative follows Hutch Mansell (played by Odenkirk), a former government assassin turned family man, who is jolted from his domestic bliss following a botched home invasion. You know, typical suburban drama escalated to high-stakes revenge and a beef with the Russian mob. This isn't just another tale of 'dad goes to the grocery store'; it's a heartfelt exploration of masculinity, responsibility, and, of course, retribution. Alongside Odenkirk, the film features a stellar cast that includes Aleksey Serebryakov, Nielsen, Lloyd, and more—because why not pack the film with an encyclopedia’s worth of talent?

And let's not forget Odenkirk’s heroic stint as Saul Goodman came to a close in Better Call Saul in 2022, following a journey that had fans laughing and crying—in equal measure—while rooting for a morally suspect protagonist. With six Emmy nominations to his name, Odenkirk is not just your everyday guy; he's more like a fine wine that only gets better with age, particularly when you add a dash of chaos and cunning.

So, as we eagerly await Nobody 2, let’s remember this: sometimes, the most mundane lives can transform into a whirlwind of action and drama with just a tiny misstep. Or in Hutch Mansell's case—a home invasion that spiraled out of control. Who knew that what happens at home could lead to such thrilling escapades? Well, stay tuned, because it looks like we’re in for quite the ride!