Alexandre Aja to Helm 'Under Paris' Sequel
Ta-Nehisi CoatesAuthor and journalist whose work on culture, race, and history includes writing for Marvel's "Black Panther."
Dive Deeper: The Return of Terror Beneath the Seine
Netflix Greenlights Sequel to Aquatic Thriller 'Under Paris'
Netflix has given the green light to a sequel for its surprise hit French shark film, 'Under Paris.' The streaming giant has tapped acclaimed horror filmmaker Alexandre Aja to direct the next installment, signaling a commitment to expanding the aquatic thriller universe that captivated audiences worldwide in 2024.
The Original Phenomenon: 'Under Paris' Global Impact
Originally titled 'Sous la Seine' in French, the first film was directed by Xavier Gens and quickly became a global sensation on Netflix. Its unique premise—a mutant shark and its offspring terrorizing Paris during a triathlon—combined with compelling performances, resonated with viewers, making it one of the most-watched films on the platform that year.
Key Cast and Crew Return for the Next Chapter
Bérénice Bejo, who portrayed the marine researcher protagonist, is expected to return to her role, bringing her depth and intensity back to the fight against the aquatic predators. Vincent Roget will also resume his duties as producer, ensuring continuity in the creative vision. Details regarding the screenplay and the original director Xavier Gens' absence from the sequel remain undisclosed, with Netflix declining to comment further on these aspects.
Alexandre Aja: A Master of Water-Based Horror
Alexandre Aja is a well-established name in the horror genre, known for his prowess in crafting suspenseful and often gruesome narratives. His previous works, including the French slasher 'Haute Tension' and remakes like 'The Hills Have Eyes,' demonstrate his capability to deliver intense cinematic experiences. Crucially, Aja is no stranger to water-centric horror, having directed the cult hit 'Piranha 3D' and the critically acclaimed 'Crawl,' a film that saw a father and daughter battling crocodiles during a hurricane. His expertise in this subgenre makes him a compelling choice to guide the next chapter of 'Under Paris.'
Aja's Recent Projects and Industry Recognition
Before taking on 'Under Paris 2,' Aja most recently directed 'Never Let Go,' a survival horror thriller released by Lionsgate in 2024, starring Halle Berry. His consistent work in the horror and thriller genres has solidified his reputation, and he is represented by prominent agencies including WME, Industry Entertainment, and Hansen Jacobson.

