Stephen Lang shocked crowds in his role as a blind man in Fede Alvarez’s 2016 Don’t Breathe. Don’t Breathe was a thriller steeped in horror dealt at the hand of Norman Nordstrom, a lean, mean, ruthless killing machine. Neither remorse nor regret was part of his vocabulary, and Lang nailed the role. However, this was of little surprise to Alvarez.
And he proved that to be true. Stephen Lang did not merely play a character. He transformed into the persona of Nordstrom. And audiences handsomely paid to see that caliber of talent on the silver screen. Variety noted Don’t Breathe’s opening amassed $26.1 million compared to a $9.8 million price tag for production.
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The success of the first film segued to a sequel. Don’t Breathe 2 was released in theaters on August 13, 2021. However, given the rather conclusive nature of the initial film, some fans were curious as to what could happen in the sequel. As it turned out, while Nordstrom was essentially the same, his life had somehow taken a turn. In the first film, Norman, a Navy SEAL vet, lived a life of isolation after returning home an injured man.
However, the war is not the only thing that would take something from Norm. He brandished a scar on his heart, the result of an inexplicable tragedy. So, it was that he became an emotional landmine. But, unfortunately for those who crossed him, tragedy had dulled his vision and sympathies but not his senses. He was the epitome of the book that could not be judged by its cover.
Where Don’t Breathe 2 Left Off
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Don’t Breathe 2 takes place several years after the conclusion of the first. However, in this film, Nordstrom seems to be in a happier place. Why shouldn’t he be? He has gotten himself a family. And he is fiercely protective of his new charge. Viewers of the first film know that Lang lost his child due to an accident. So given those details, the existence of a child who referred to him as papa was curious.
But it’s not long before all discover who young Phoenix (Madelyn Grace) is. And it is that disclosed truth that sets up the action. As the action progresses, one thing remains true; Norman is still vicious. He still possesses a deadly set of skills allowing him to take on anyone in any situation, regardless of the cause. But considering all factors, the slight shift in Norm’s character, purpose, and Lang’s ability to execute this makes the sequel as compelling as the first.
Everyone who invested 98 minutes of their time understands that by all practicalities, Don’t Breathe 2 sealed Nordstrom’s fate. So, of equal surprise is the talk of a third film. Imaginably, jaws were knocked ajar when it was announced that Stephen Lang is planning a sequel. And indeed, with such an announcement comes a new set of questions, the primary being where a third installment could take its fans.
Don’t Breathe 3 Theory: A Backstory
Viewers were given a bit of backstory in Don’t Breathe. Most have an idea of how Norman lost his sight. We have an inkling of how he lost his family. However, moviegoers didn’t get a complete backstory. How did Norman transform into the super survivor with sadistic tendencies? What was Nordstrom like as a NavySEAL? Was he ruthless by nature or driven there by circumstance? Another installment could well address such questions.
It is a possibility that the third installment may take the story back instead of forward. Loyal fans of Lang would love to see how he would pull off a younger Nordstrom. It could be pretty intriguing. And it would fill in some holes.
Don’t Breathe 3 Theory: Rocky Comes Back
Rocky (Jane Levy) is the survivor in the first segment. Unfortunately, she took quite the beating as Norm brutally showed her no mercy. In one particularly horrifying scene, she appears to mean no more to Norman than a fleshy punching bag. One could say Rocky survived by the skin of her teeth and, with some help from her friend and some survival instinct. However, she is also a mother herself. Unfortunately, she and her crew hit the wrong house.
Related link: Don’t Breathe 2 Team Explains Why Jane Levy Didn’t Return
But now Rocky knows something the world is not privy to – Lang’s secret. Not only was he holding the woman responsible for his child’s death captive, but he was going to force her to carry his baby. So now she must live with that and her friend’s death, so perhaps trauma is too significant to ignore. Although she flew off into the sunset with her daughter, there could be more to revisit here. Rocky could very well return to confront old Norm.
Don’t Breathe 3 Theory: Phoenix Needs Dear Old Dad’s Help
Phoenix made it more than clear that she has an affinity for the old man who has, in some ways, held her captive. Given Phoenix’s family dynamics, some may see Norm’s caring for the young child as kindness. Buy take away those dynamics then exactly how loving and sane is the old man’s behavior. However, knowing that Tara has taken on the name Phoenix indicates she has a treasured place in her heart for Norm. He has become like a real father to her. Is it Stockholm Syndrome at play? Well, the jury is still out on that one. But his willingness to go to death’s door to protect her had many feeling all gushy, including young Phoenix.
For now, all Phoenix knows are those old ties are dissolved. She left behind what she thought was a dead Nordstrom. But Phoenix could discover that Norman is still kicking in the future. And she might enlist him to join forces when she must take on some baddies.
Although any of these could seem feasible, it’s theoretical at best. And there is no real way of determining what a third segment would entail aside from breadcrumb clues Lang or other project members might drop. So for the moment, a third installment has only been hinted at. But if things fall together, it will be worth seeing how Lang could pull another stellar performance out of a story many already feel is over.
