When Bob Odenkirk first stepped into the role of Hutch Mansell in 2021's Nobody, few expected the former Mr. Show star to become an action hero. But the film's runaway success proved he could handle bloody mayhem with the best of them. Now streaming on Netflix, the Nobody duology—including its gorier sequel—quietly does something the John Wick franchise can't: it keeps the action lean, mean, and free of overcomplicated world-building.
The John Wick movies are undeniably top-tier when it comes to modern action choreography. But they've also fallen into a trap of franchise bloat, with an ever-expanding universe of assassins, gold-coin economies, and cryptic rules that even die-hard fans struggle to map out. The Nobody films, by contrast, are refreshingly episodic. In the first movie, Hutch is a retired assassin who snaps after a home invasion, then proceeds to massacre a Russian mob. In the sequel, he just wants a family vacation—only to stumble into a new, unrelated criminal conspiracy. That's it. No elaborate mythology, no secret societies. Just a man who can't catch a break and the bad guys who pay for it.
This simple structure is the duology's secret weapon. While John Wick has become a sprawling saga that demands viewers keep track of the High Table and its endless factions, Nobody offers a more accessible, almost pulp approach. It's easy to imagine Hutch bumbling into fresh trouble every few years, with each entry feeling like a standalone adventure. That lack of ambition might sound like a knock, but it's actually a strength—it's pure, unpretentious fun. For fans of The Best 21st Century Thrillers That Are Absolutely Flawless, this is a welcome change of pace.
Another smart move: swapping directors between entries. The first Nobody was directed by Ilya Naishuller, who emphasized brutal, legible hand-to-hand combat. For the sequel, Indonesian cult director Timo Tjahjanto took over, bringing his signature ultraviolent style—think The Night Comes for Us—to the franchise. The result is a sequel that feels fresh, with Sharon Stone chewing scenery as a crazed crime boss. Imagine if each new Nobody film brought in a different action or horror director to put their stamp on Hutch's world. The possibilities are endless, and it could keep the series from going stale.
Odenkirk has already hinted at ideas for a third Nobody film, and his recent action outing Normal (also written by Nobody scribe Derek Kolstad) proves he's still got plenty of gas in the tank. While John Wick will likely continue to dominate the action conversation, the Nobody movies have quietly shown that you don't need an elaborate universe to deliver kick-ass thrills. Sometimes, all you need is a guy, a grudge, and a willingness to get bloody.
For those who prefer their action without the homework, the Nobody duology on Netflix is a must-watch. It's proof that less can be more—even when the body count is sky-high.
