Jason Statham’s $398M Monster Sequel Returns to Charts After 3 Years Despite Critical Backlash

Meg 2: The Trench Becomes a Streaming Sensation

Meg 2: The Trench has once again captured the attention of viewers, this time as a streaming hit. Following its success on Tubi last year, the 2023 creature feature sequel has made a strong entry into Prime Video’s Top 10 chart.

According to FlixPatrol, Meg 2: The Trench is currently ranked No. 9 on Prime Video in the United States. The action-packed sequel has previously been available on several streaming platforms, including Hulu and Tubi, but it has now found a new home on Prime Video. This marks its first appearance on the streamer’s Top 10 chart for January 15. The rest of the chart is dominated by returning titles such as The Tank, The Naked Gun, and Sinners, which hold the top three spots.

Directed by Ben Wheatley, Meg 2: The Trench is loosely based on Steve Alten’s 1999 novel The Trench. Jason Statham reprises his role as rescue diver Jonas Taylor in the sequel. The story picks up five years after the events of 2018’s The Meg, where Jonas and his team discovered a megalodon during a rescue mission on the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

In Meg 2, Jonas leads a research team—including returning cast members Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy, and Cliff Curtis—on an exploratory dive into the deepest parts of the ocean. However, their mission is disrupted by a malevolent mining operation, leading to a high-stakes battle for survival against the titular colossal, prehistoric sharks.

Meg Movies Continue to Be Commercial Successes

The Meg movies have proven to be box office hits for Warner Bros. The first film, The Meg, was a massive success, grossing $530.2 million worldwide. While Meg 2 did not achieve the same level of box office success as its predecessor, it still managed to earn $398.5 million globally.

Despite their commercial success, neither of the Meg films has received favorable reviews from critics. The first film holds an approval rating of 47% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Meg 2 fared even worse with a 27% rating.

However, for fans, the lack of critical acclaim does not seem to matter. Studios tend to prioritize box office performance over critical reception. Although a third Meg movie has not been officially greenlit, director Ben Wheatley mentioned in July 2023 that discussions about a potential sequel have taken place internally at Warner Bros. If the studio decides to move forward, Wheatley expressed hope that the next film would adapt the next novel in Alten’s series, 2004’s Meg: Primal Waters.

Jason Statham Remains Busy with New Projects

Until a third Meg film is announced, Statham remains occupied with several new action movies. At least two are set to be released in 2026: Shelter and Mutiny. In Shelter, Statham plays a reclusive man who rescues a young girl from drowning during a storm, setting off a chain reaction that brings violence into his life. Mutiny follows Statham in a familiar role as a former NYPD officer who is framed for the murder of his billionaire friend.

Statham has also completed filming on a sequel to his 2024 hit The Beekeeper. Additionally, he will reunite with frequent collaborator Guy Ritchie on an adaptation of Viva La Madness. Filming on this project is scheduled to begin by the end of the month.

Meg 2: The Trench is now available to stream on Prime Video.