Netflix has released new streaming data that has revealed Extraction is the service's most-watched original film ever. Extraction premiered on Netflix back in March, where it was met with a warm reception from audiences and critics alike, currently sporting a fresh 68 percent critical and 69 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Extraction was lauded for its impressive action sequences, particularly its 12-minute one-shot scene. The action thriller is based on the comic book Ciudad, which was written by Anthony and Joe Russo with Ande Parks.
Extraction follows a mercenary named Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), who is enlisted to rescue and protect the son of an imprisoned crime lord. Aside from Hemsworth, the film boasts an impressive cast, including Bryon Lerum, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Shivam Vichare, Randeep Hooda, Golshifteh Farahani, and David Harbour. Due to the film's success on the streaming platform, Netflix has begun developing Extraction 2, with writer Joe Russo set to return to pen the screenplay. Though it was previously reported that Extraction was on track to become one of Netflix's biggest films, there is now additional data that proves it's their most-watched original film to date.
According to Bloomberg, Extraction is Netflix's most-watched original film ever based on official numbers. The streaming service recently released the data for their top 10 most-streamed original films, supplying the numbers for how many viewers watched these films in the first four weeks on the platform. Extraction currently leads the pack, with an estimated 99 million viewers watching the action film in its first four weeks of release. The runners-up include Spenser Confidential, 6 Underground, and Bird Box, which will be getting a sequel. See the full list below:
Extraction (99 million)
Bird Box (89 million)
Spenser Confidential (85 million)
6 Underground (83 million)
Murder Mystery (73 million)
The Irishman (64 million)
Triple Frontier (63 million)
The Wrong Missy (59 million)
The Platform (56 million)
The Perfect Date (48 million)
After Netflix announced there would be an Extraction 2, fans have wondered where the sequel would take the story. In fact, many have wondered if Hemsworth will return for the sequel, especially considering Extraction's ambiguous ending. However, Russo has stated that it hasn't been decided yet whether the sequel will be a prequel or will take place after the events of the original film. In addition to Hemsworth, director Sam Hargrave hasn't been confirmed to return for the follow-up either, after making his feature debut with the film and receiving considerable praise for his work.
Extraction was a welcomed surprise when it debuted on Netflix in March, delivering an above-average action film with truly stellar set pieces and direction. The film also further cemented Hemsworth as a bonafide action star who doesn't need to be Thor in order to stand out. It's not entirely surprising that the film has done so well on the streaming platform, considering the Marvel pedigree behind the project and the previously reported numbers, but the data remains impressive regardless. In fact, the film has garnered a passionate fanbase, some even providing their own recreations of Extraction. After taking a look at the data, it's not difficult to surmise why Netflix quickly ordered a sequel to Extraction.
Source: Bloomberg