The Great Wall 2: Rise of the Phoenix (2026), including insights on its budget and projected net income, based on the latest available information and industry speculation.
Set decades after the original, the sequel opens with China enjoying a fragile peace after the defeat of the Taotie. Commander Lin Mae (Jing Tian) now leads the Nameless Order, which has evolved into a legendary force. Matt Damon’s William Garin, now a revered figure, is called back to China when Lin Mae uncovers a terrifying secret: the Taotie were only a warning, and a far greater threat—an ancient, phoenix-like entity—has awakened beneath the Wall. This primal force can command the Taotie and new, shadowy monsters, threatening to consume entire kingdoms if not stopped.
The Nameless Order, joined by a new generation of warriors and engineers (including a prodigy played by Liu Haoran), must venture beyond the Wall into uncharted lands. Pedro Pascal returns as Tovar, whose past with the Order resurfaces at a critical moment. The team uncovers ancient secrets and lost technologies, leading to epic battles in underground ruins and mountain peaks. Lin Mae’s leadership is tested as she forges uneasy alliances with foreign warriors, and William Garin serves as a mentor, guiding the new heroes through impossible odds.
The film’s climax features a massive siege on the Wall, with the Nameless Order deploying new tactics and advanced weaponry against the evolved Taotie and the Phoenix entity. Lin Mae and Garin must make heartbreaking sacrifices to save humanity, with Lin Mae ultimately facing the Phoenix in a visually stunning final battle. The film ends with the Wall standing, but hints at further ancient threats lurking in the world.
Budget and Net Worth:
The original Great Wall had a reported budget of$150 million. Early industry buzz suggests the sequel’s budget is even higher, estimated at$180–200 million, due to its expanded international cast, advanced visual effects, and large-scale set pieces. As for net income, projections (based on the first film’s$334 million global box office) suggest the sequel could gross$400–450 million worldwide, especially with the growing Chinese and international markets. If these numbers hold, the net profit after marketing and distribution could be in the$100–150 million range, making it a major tentpole for its studio.
