Netflix’s Badland Hunters is set in the same universe as Um Tae-hwa’s 2023 thriller Concrete Utopia, a critical hit loved by fans both in South Korea and internationally, however, it’s less of a direct sequel than a spiritual successor which can be enjoyed without having seen its predecessor. There are connections, though, and the universe itself has plenty of promise for more spin-offs and indirect sequels.
Is Badland Hunters a sequel to Concrete Utopia?
While Badland Hunters takes place in the same universe as Concrete Utopia, it should be considered a spin-off more than a direct sequel. It does not continue any of the plot points or character arcs from the 2023 movie and works as a standalone feature.
With the film leaning heavily into the zombie survival genre, there is a feeling of disconnect between this and the original movie, and to be honest, this is more of a stand-alone film that could be watched without seeing Concrete Utopia.
Park Bo-young in Concrete Utopia | Image via 815 Pictures and Lotte Entertainment
What is Badland Hunters about?
Korean A-lister Ma Dong-Seok, takes center stage in Badland Hunters playing Nam-san, a hunter who goes on a rescue mission to save teen Su-na (Roh Jeong-eui) from a deranged doctor and his group of cult-like followers.
There is a definite shift in the aesthetics of this film compared to the previous feature, and it comes in a more basic approach to storytelling. Whereas Concrete Utopia could be considered a more nuanced and layered production, allowing viewers to interpret the themes and situation as they see fit, Badland Hunters has a more ground-level approach, presenting a pretty basic concept: The hero, Nam-sam, has to save someone, Su-na, from a dangerous maniac with aspirations of Godhood. The film is a thrilling and exciting action adventure, with plenty of visceral set pieces set against a dystopian future world, and seems happy to only be that.
Could there be a third film to make it a trilogy?
There certainly could. This approach could mean that there is room for multiple sequels and spin-offs set within the world that the first two films have created. Perhaps the decision to make Badland Hunters more of a generic action thriller was deliberate, to set the scene for future entries in the franchise that can become more of an anthology rather than a series of sequels constrained by lore and backstory.
At this point, we cannot know, but if Badland Hunters is another runaway success, I predict we could see more from the same stable exploring different aspects of the world that the stories take place in.
What was Concrete Utopia based on?
Concrete Utopia was based on the second part of the webtoon Pleasant Outcast by Kim Soongnyung. It is set in Seoul and follows the events after a massive earthquake destroys the city, leaving the desperate survivors to try and make a new life. The only hope left is an apartment block, Imperial Palace, where the residents try to secure themselves against the growing threats from those on the outside trying to get in.
Who directed Badland Hunters?
Badland Hunters was directed by Heo Myung-haeng, and this is his feature film debut as a director.
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