Why is Netflix sleeping on all these worthwhile franchises? At least, that's the question fans are asking. Even though the streaming service has a catalog of over a hundred original titles, Netflix isn't too big in the sequel department. But that still doesn't answer why the streamer has avoided developing sequels to its better films. One, in particular, should be a no-brainer: Atlas.
The Jennifer Lopez feature flick about a superintelligent analyst facing off against a superintelligent artificial intelligence was one of Netflix's most popular movies for several weeks. Yet, Atlas remains snubbed for any sort of accolade. The reviews, in particular, are especially critical and, worst of all, fail to see its positive points.
For one, Atlas possesses the first realistic reaction to artificial intelligence. The character of the same name doesn't trust neural links between humans and machines. Unlike most pop culture versions that want to see the lines between man and machine blur, Atlas realizes the inherent danger. Machines are so much more logical and yet so flawed that they want to kill humanity to protect it. Thankfully, by the end, Atlas realizes that machines possess equal capacity for good and bad—everyone except Harlan. She gets suited up in a new ARC mech during the final moments when Smith, her talking AI, makes a surprise return. Everyone thought the sentience sacrificed itself to save Atlas, but the reclamation team recovered Smith. The titular hero hears his voice during the closing seconds, implying further adventures together take place.
As for sequels, Netflix still hasn't announced any plans. That can be either good or bad depending on how one looks at the situation because, on the one hand, Atlas received terrible reviews. But, on the other, it ranked very high in 93 countries for a movie that was quote-unquote "predictable."
There's also the time lapse between installments in new franchises. Netflix doesn't have a great track record for turnarounds, either. Stranger Things, one of its most popular series, is still on hiatus after a two-year hiatus, and Season 5 doesn't have an exact premiere date.
Atlas could be on the back burner for at least two to three years, too. A sequel isn't a high priority at the moment, and while its popularity is surprising, reviews tend to be bigger influences when marketing determines if a sequel is warranted.
Then again, Netflix has developed less noteworthy titles for even less cause. The streamer might develop a sequel to have another movie with Jennifer Lopez in it. Of course, that's all determined by whether she wants to return for another installment.
Atlas is currently streaming on Netflix.