Filming has begun on Greyhound 2 starring Tom Hanks.

The World War II film "Greyhound" starring Tom Hanks is getting a sequel. A second installment was announced back in 2022, but it is only now – around four years later – that filming for "Greyhound 2" has officially begun. According to Screen Global Production, this time the film will be shot in Australia.

As in the first part, Tom Hanks will once again take on the role of US Navy officer Ernest Krause. Much remains familiar behind the camera as well, with Aaron Schneider returning as director. Several familiar faces will return alongside Hanks, including "Adolescence" star Stephen Graham, Elisabeth Shue, and Rob Morgan. Jack Patten, who most recently starred as the title character in a modern adaptation of the "Robin Hood" series, joins the ensemble.

In terms of content, "Greyhound 2" picks up where the first film left off. While Commander Krause had to defend an Allied convoy in the Atlantic against German U-boats in the previous film, the new mission takes him first to the French coast and then to the Pacific after the Allied landing in Normandy. There, Krause and his crew are to help turn the tide of war in favor of the Allies.

It is still unclear whether the sequel will be released in theaters. "Greyhound" was originally planned as a theatrical release, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, its release was postponed several times and ultimately canceled altogether. Instead, Sony Pictures moved production directly to Apple and released it exclusively via streaming. Another exciting question is how heavily the film will rely on digital effects. Director Aaron Schneider explained during the first film that even the water was largely created on a computer. It is not yet known whether "Greyhound 2" will also rely heavily on CGI. There is no release date yet.

Film tips for fans of Greyhound: These war dramas provide high tension at sea and beyond

The intense World War II drama "Greyhound" starring Tom Hanks captivated audiences with claustrophobic tension, strategic decisions under extreme pressure, and realistic sea battles. Those who can't get enough of the nerve-wracking atmosphere surrounding convoy voyages, submarine threats, and military responsibility will also find thrilling alternatives in other productions. Here are some recommended films for anyone who appreciates similar themes, moods, and settings.

Das Boot: The quintessential submarine classic

An absolute must for fans of naval war dramas is "Das Boot" by director Wolfgang Petersen. The 1981 film is considered one of the most authentic and intense anti-war films ever made. It focuses on the crew of a German submarine during World War II, who spend weeks traveling in the Atlantic in a confined space. Instead of heroic staging, Das Boot relies on realism, psychological pressure, and the steadily growing exhaustion of the men.

As in "Greyhound," the tension arises primarily from the cat-and-mouse game between ships, the constant listening for enemy signals, and the uncertainty underwater. The oppressive confinement of the submarine reinforces the feeling of hopelessness – an intense cinematic experience.

Dunkirk: War as an immediate experience

With "Dunkirk," Christopher Nolan created an extraordinary war drama that also focuses on tension and immediate threat. The film tells the story of the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk, France, in 1940 – from three perspectives: on land, at sea, and in the air. Fans of "Greyhound" will particularly enjoy the scenes on small boats and destroyers.

As in Tom Hanks' film, time pressure, strategic decisions, and survival are at the forefront here. Dialogue is used sparingly, with sound design, music, and visual intensity dominating instead. Dunkirk is less character-centered, but it is an impressive audiovisual experience that makes the tension of war almost physically palpable.

U-571: Suspense beneath the surface

Those who particularly enjoyed the submarine duel in "Greyhound" should take a look at "U-571." The film, starring Matthew McConaughey and Harvey Keitel, tells the story of a risky mission in the Atlantic to capture a German Enigma encryption machine. "U-571" is more action-oriented than "Das Boot," but also offers intense underwater scenes, dramatic battles, and moral dilemmas. The claustrophobic atmosphere inside the submarine is very reminiscent of the tension that "Greyhound" creates during its sea battles. Although the film is not always entirely accurate historically, it works excellently as a gripping thriller.

Midway: Great naval battles in the Pacific

For viewers who are particularly interested in the war in the Pacific—a setting that will also play a role in the "Greyhound" sequel—Roland Emmerich's "Midway" is a suitable choice. The film depicts the famous Battle of Midway in 1942, a turning point in the Pacific War. In contrast to the more focused perspective of Greyhound, Midway relies on a large ensemble cast and spectacular computer effects. Anyone who likes battles on the open sea, aircraft carriers, and strategic maneuvers will get their money's worth here. Although the visual impact is more prominent than the intimate characterization, the epic scale of the battle provides impressive moments.

Saving Private Ryan: Leadership under extreme conditions

Even though "Saving Private Ryan" is not set at sea, the film is extremely interesting for "Greyhound" fans. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks once again took on the role of an officer who is responsible for his men under extreme conditions. The famous landing sequence at Omaha Beach in particular is considered one of the most realistic war scenes in film history. As in Greyhound, the question here is how leadership, morale, and a sense of duty can be maintained in the chaos of war. The film combines emotional depth with a relentless portrayal of violence and remains in the memory for a long time.

The Hunt for Red October: Cold War on the high seas

For anyone fascinated by the tactical game between ships and submarines, "The Hunt for Red October" starring Sean Connery is also worth watching. Although the film is set during the Cold War and not World War II, the strategic duel on the ocean provides comparable tension. Here, it is less about open combat and more about intelligence, deception, and military strategy. The calm, focused staging creates a constant tension – similar to Greyhound, when radio communications are intercepted and decisions have to be made within seconds.

Conclusion: High tension between water, steel, and responsibility

"Greyhound" impressed with its clear focus on a mission, the psychological strain on a commander, and the unpredictable danger on the high seas. The films presented here take up different aspects of this recipe for success: sometimes the oppressive confines of a submarine, sometimes the epic dimension of great naval battles, or the moral conflicts of military leadership. Whether historically accurate, action-packed, or psychologically intense, there are numerous films that offer similar suspense and drama for fans of naval warfare dramas.