TOKYO / LOS ANGELES — Ladybug is back on the tracks. Sony Pictures has reportedly greenlit a sequel to the 2022 high-octane hit Bullet Train, with Brad Pitt set to return as the unlucky yet zen-seeking assassin.
The original film, which followed a group of eccentric killers with overlapping missions on a Japanese shinkansen, was a sleeper hit for the studio. After a solid theatrical run grossing nearly $240 million worldwide, the film found a massive second life on streaming, consistently topping charts and cementing its status as a modern action-comedy favorite.
What We Know So Far
While official plot details are being kept under wraps, several key players from the first installment are expected to rejoin the ride:
The Returning Star: Brad Pitt is slated to reprise his role as “Ladybug.” Fans are eager to see if his character has finally found the peace he was looking for—or if “fate” has another chaotic mission in store.
The Director: David Leitch (Deadpool 2, The Fall Guy) is reportedly returning to the director’s chair. Known for his “neon-drenched” aesthetic and inventive fight choreography, Leitch previously expressed that he would be back “1,000%” if the audience wanted more.
New Faces: Rumors have swirled for months regarding Margot Robbie joining the cast, which would reunite her with Pitt after their work together in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Babylon.
Potential Storylines
The first film was based on the novel Maria Beetle by Kōtarō Isaka. While that book was a standalone, Isaka has other novels in the same “Hitman” universe, such as Three Assassins and Seesaw Monster.
“The beauty of the first film was the contained setting,” says industry analyst Marcus Thorne. “For a sequel, the challenge is keeping that claustrophobic energy while raising the stakes. Whether it’s a high-speed rail in Europe or a plane, the ‘Ladybug’ brand is now officially a franchise.”
Returning Cast Rumors
While many characters met a grizzly end in the first film, a few survivors are tipped to return:
Ladybug: Brad Pitt-Confirmed
Maria Beetle: Sandra Bullock- In Talks
Lemon Brian: Tyree Henry- Rumored
Unknown Role: Margot Robbie- Negotiating
Release Window
While Sony hasn’t pinned down a specific date, production is rumored to begin in late 2026, following the completion of Pitt’s press tour for his upcoming Formula 1 film, F1. This would likely put Bullet Train 2 in theaters for a Summer 2027 blockbuster slot.
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