A “Crimson Tide” sequel is officially surfacing, and fans are buzzing. Nearly 30 years after the original submarine thriller gripped audiences, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that a follow-up is in the works — and yes, Denzel Washington might return.
“Crimson Tide”: A 1995 Classic
The 1995 film, starring Washington as Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter and Gene Hackman as Captain Ramsey, was a box office hit and critical favorite, known for its intense power struggle and moral dilemmas aboard a U.S. nuclear sub. Now, Bruckheimer wants to dive back in.
“We have a really good director and writer talking to the navy right now about what’s going on under the water,” Bruckheimer teased on The Rich Eisen Show on Monday, June 30. While names haven’t been released, his track record points to a high-caliber team.
The biggest question? Whether Denzel will suit up again. Bruckheimer is optimistic, saying, “If we give him a good script, I think he’d do it.” Sources say Washington is open — if the screenplay delivers.
But this new chapter comes with a bittersweet note: Gene Hackman, who passed away in February at 95, won’t be back. His commanding performance helped define “Crimson Tide”, and his absence will be deeply felt. Finding a worthy new adversary for Hunter is a key challenge ahead.
The sequel is still in early development — no script, no greenlight — but Bruckheimer has proven he can pull off long-awaited follow-ups (hello, “Top Gun: Maverick”). With today’s shifting geopolitical tensions, there’s plenty of room for a modern, high-stakes story.
Fans want character depth, moral complexity, and the same pulse-pounding tension. And if the sequel clicks? It could launch a full-blown franchise set in the high-pressure world of naval warfare.
For now, “Crimson Tide 2” remains submerged — but it’s rising fast.
