Wind River 2 Star Reveals Why the Sequel Still Doesn’t Have a Release Date
The long-awaited sequel to Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed 2017 crime drama Wind River has hit an unexpected roadblock. Actor Jason Clarke, who stars in Wind River 2 (officially titled Wind River: The Next Chapter), recently revealed new details about the film’s current status — and why it still doesn’t have an official release date.
Despite being filmed and completed over a year ago, the project remains in limbo due to ongoing legal complications, leaving fans wondering when they’ll finally return to the chilling Wyoming setting that made the first film such a standout.
Wind River 2 – A Long-Awaited Sequel Stuck in Legal Delays
The first Wind River, directed by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, Sicario), was released in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim. The neo-western crime thriller followed U.S. Fish and Wildlife tracker Cory Lambert (played by Jeremy Renner) and FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) as they investigated a young woman’s murder on a Native American reservation.
With its haunting score, gripping mystery, and focus on social issues within Indigenous communities, the film earned an 87% critic rating and 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes — and quickly became one of Sheridan’s most respected works.
The sequel, Wind River 2: The Next Chapter, was greenlit in November 2022 by Castle Rock Entertainment with Kari Skogland (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) taking over directing duties. However, while the project wrapped production more than a year ago, fans are still waiting for a release date — and now, we finally know why.
Jason Clarke Breaks Silence on Wind River 2’s Delay
Speaking with Screen Rant, actor Jason Clarke provided an update on the sequel’s status and shed light on the reason for the prolonged delay.
“It’s been locked up with the legalities,” Clarke explained. “But now it’s about to come out soon. It’s going to surprise you, and it’s a lot more beautiful. It’s a lot more cinematic. That was when I saw it about a year and a half ago.”
While Clarke didn’t elaborate on the specific legal hurdles, his comments suggest that the film is finished and awaiting resolution before its release. He also praised the sequel’s visual scope and storytelling, teasing a more ambitious and emotional return to the harsh wilderness of Wind River.
“It’s extraordinary,” Clarke added. “It’s set within the Native community. Martin Sensmeier is the lead in that. It’s got an insane cast. It’s a beautiful movie.”
Cast and Story Details – A New Chapter in the Wind River Saga
Wind River 2: The Next Chapter shifts focus to Martin Sensmeier, who reprises his role from the original film. Sensmeier plays Chip Hanson, a young Native American man who was a supporting character in the first story. This time, Chip takes center stage as a newly appointed tracker working to protect his community amid rising violence and corruption.
The film’s cast also includes:
- Jason Clarke (Oppenheimer, Everest)
- Kali Reis (Catch the Fair One, True Detective: Night Country)
- Scott Eastwood (Fast X, Suicide Squad)
- Gil Birmingham (Yellowstone, Twilight)
Director Kari Skogland takes over from Taylor Sheridan, aiming to maintain the same tone and realism while expanding on the original film’s exploration of justice and Native identity.
What the Stars Are Saying
In a January 2025 interview, Kali Reis, who also stars in the sequel, expressed excitement but admitted uncertainty about when fans will finally see it:
“You know just as much as I do, unfortunately. I am really excited about Wind River 2 as well. So just keep your eye out for it, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Reis’s comments echoed the frustration many fans feel — that the movie is finished and highly anticipated, yet stuck waiting behind the scenes for legal clearance.
Why the Delay Matters
While details remain scarce, the mention of “legalities” could refer to distribution rights, ownership disputes, or financial agreements between studios and producers. Delays of this kind aren’t uncommon in Hollywood, but they can significantly impact release timing and marketing plans.
Given Clarke’s reassurance that the film is “about to come out soon,” it’s possible that the disputes are nearing resolution — paving the way for a potential late 2025 or early 2026 release window.
Why Fans Are Excited for Wind River 2
The original Wind River was praised not just for its crime drama elements, but also for its emotional depth and social relevance. It highlighted systemic neglect and violence against Indigenous women, a topic rarely portrayed in mainstream cinema.
With the sequel once again focusing on Native communities, The Next Chapter is expected to continue that legacy — blending gripping storytelling with authentic representation.
Rotten Tomatoes Legacy and Critical Acclaim
The first film remains one of the most acclaimed modern thrillers of the last decade:
- Rotten Tomatoes (Critics): 87%
- Rotten Tomatoes (Audience): 90%
- Metacritic: 73/100
It earned praise for its performances (particularly from Renner and Olsen), Sheridan’s taut direction, and its unflinching look at America’s forgotten frontiers.
FAQs About Wind River 2
1. What is Wind River 2 about?
The sequel, Wind River: The Next Chapter, follows Chip Hanson (Martin Sensmeier) as he takes up a new role in law enforcement, facing violence that once again threatens his community.
2. Who is directing Wind River 2?
Kari Skogland directs the sequel, known for her work on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and The Handmaid’s Tale.
3. Why doesn’t Wind River 2 have a release date yet?
According to Jason Clarke, the film has been “locked up with legalities,” delaying its official release announcement.
4. Who stars in the movie?
The cast includes Martin Sensmeier, Jason Clarke, Kali Reis, Scott Eastwood, and Gil Birmingham.
5. When could Wind River 2 release?
While no date is confirmed, Clarke hinted it may be “coming out soon,” possibly in late 2025 or early 2026.
Conclusion
After years of anticipation, Wind River 2: The Next Chapter remains one of the most intriguing upcoming crime dramas on the horizon. With Jason Clarke teasing its “extraordinary beauty” and Martin Sensmeier taking the lead, the film promises to deliver both powerful storytelling and visual excellence.
Once legal issues are resolved, fans can expect an official release date — and the return to Wind River’s haunting landscapes where justice and tragedy intertwine once again.
Are you excited for Wind River 2? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more movie updates on InvestRecords.com!