Paris Has Fallenis taking the action franchise in a new direction, and there’s a perfect cameo role for Gerard Butler’s Banning. TheHas Fallenmoviescast Butler as Mike Banning, a veteran Secret Service agent tasked with saving the day against any number of terrorist threats. The original entryOlympus Has Fallencompeted againstWhite House Downin 2013, with the former emerging as the winner at the box office. The resulting franchise has proven a reliable one for Butler, with 2019’sAngel Has Falleneven attracting some of the best reviews of the series.
The next installmentParis Has Fallenis the first television series for the propertyand follows Tewfik Jallab as a French protection officer and Ritu Arya as an MI6 agent trying to thwart a series of attacks. Butler is attached to the show as producer, and while there are rumors he could make a cameo, a Banning appearance has yet to be confirmed. Fans of the franchise might be lamenting Butler’s absence, butParis Has Fallen’strailermakes it look like the most ambitious outing to date.
Paris Has Fallen Should Bring Back Gerard Butler’s Banning As The New President
Banning is an obvious choice for Has Fallen’s new POTUS
The last time audiences saw Banning he was just promoted to Secret Service Director, a position that - in theory - should keep him behind a desk. Rather than having to save a new POTUS, Banning’s next appearance should cut out the middle man and makeButler’sHas Fallenprotagonist the Presidenthimself. In truth,Banning hasn’t shown much interest in being a politician, but saving the country on three separate occasions wouldn’t hurt his election chances.
It would be a nice surprise to see Butler pop up, but a Banning appearance shouldn’t be forced into Paris Has Fallen either.
Paris Has Fallenshould introduce Banning as the new President, who could either be seen giving a press conference about the Paris attacks, or on a call with the French government offering his support. Not only would this be a logical excuse to provide Butler with a cameo, but it would also set up his potential return in a fourth movie. Assuming Banningdoesmake an appearance in the show, it’s difficult to think of how he would fit into the story otherwise.
London Has Fallenshowed he had contacts within MI6, so maybe they could reach out to him for information. It’s also possible Banning encountered new villain Jacob Pierce (Sean Harris) before. It would be a nice surprise to see Butler pop up, but a Banning appearance shouldn’t be forced into the show either.
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Olympus Has Fallenalso arrived the same year asA Good Day to Die Hard, which proved to be the final entry in that classic action franchise. Sadly, the sequel was easily the weakest of the bunch too, withOlympus Has Fallenproving to be the most entertaining riff on theDie Hardformula to arrive in 2013. Just like that Bruce Willis saga, there’s also the question of just how many times can the same guy can keep getting stuck in the middle of a terrorist plot before credulity is stretched to breaking point.
Angel Has Fallenseemed to be aware of this, with the sequel’s focus on Mike’s deteriorating health and move into a less physically intensive role suggesting it could be his final outing. For the franchise’s move into television, it was smart forParis Has Fallento introduce new heroes on two fronts. One, it leaves the door open for a potential fourth entry with Butler, andit was doubtful the star would have been open to playing Banning in an eight-episode series either.
Paris Has Fallen’snew characters also means the TV side of the franchise can stretch out in a new direction. Further seasons could either followParis' heroes on new misadventures or take the franchise to a different country and introduce another protagonist.The show could adopt more of an anthology feel, with the likes ofTokyo Has FallenorMoscow Has Fallengiving each season its own distinct feelingand tone. Of course, that all depends onParis Has Fallenbeing a success.
Aaron Eckhart played President Asher in the first twoHas Fallenmovies, while his Vice President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman) succeeded him in the role forAngel Has Fallen.
Night Has Fallen was announced in 2020
The surprise critical success ofAngel Has Fallenmade it feel like the future was bright for Mike Banning. Another entry titledNight Has Fallenwas quickly confirmed with Buther and director Ric Roman Waugh set to return, but word on that sequel has gone quiet, withParis Has Fallennow signaling a new direction for the property.
Night Has Fallen: Cast, Story & Everything We Know About Olympus Has Fallen 4
Night Has Fallen marks the fourth movie in the Has Fallen series, so when will it release and what will the story be? Here’s what to expect next.
Again,a surprise Butler cameo could lead into another movie, and it wouldn’t hurt the movie’s chances ifParis Has Fallenwas a ratings smash. There are scant details about what another movie sequel would entail, but it would need to have a good hook to get Banning out from behind a desk once again; that’s especially true if it’s The Resolute Desk he’s sitting behind.
