The 2022 Lifetime movie Buried in Barstow left viewers on a massive cliffhanger, prompting many to wonder if a sequel will ever come to fruition. The original movie followed Hazel King (played by Angie Harmon), an ex-assassin who tries to escape her violent past and start anew in Barstow, California. After years of running her diner and raising her daughter Joy (Lauren Richards), Hazel’s past catches up with her, forcing her to take on one last job. The film ends with a dramatic twist, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what happens next. So, will Buried in Barstow 2 happen, and if so, what can we expect?
The Story So Far: A Recap of the Original Film
Buried in Barstow follows the story of Hazel King, a woman trying to leave behind her dangerous life as an assassin. Seeking peace, she settles in the quiet desert town of Barstow, California, and opens a small diner. She also raises her daughter, Joy, as a single mother, determined to protect her from the dangerous world she once knew. However, Hazel’s past cannot stay buried for long.
Hazel’s estranged father, Von (Bruce McGill), tracks her down and demands that she carry out one last job. To ensure that she complies, Von sends one of his henchmen, Elliot (Kristoffer Polaha), to keep an eye on Hazel. As the plot unfolds, Hazel and Elliot develop a romantic relationship, which further complicates her already dangerous situation. By the end of the film, Hazel is left for dead after being shot by a mysterious assassin. The attacker also kidnaps Hazel’s friend and colleague, Javier (George Paez). The movie ends on a cliffhanger, with the fate of both Hazel and Javier in question.
Will There Be a Buried in Barstow 2? The Sequel’s Status
While there have been no official announcements regarding Buried in Barstow 2, there are several factors to consider that might suggest the sequel is still a possibility—though its status remains uncertain.
Angie Harmon’s Hints at the Franchise’s Future
In a 2022 interview with Smashing Interviews, Angie Harmon, who stars as the film’s main character Hazel, spoke about her vision for the Buried in Barstow franchise. Harmon mentioned the possibility of creating “between six and eight” films in the series. In this same interview, she also mentioned that filming was initially planned to begin in June 2022. However, those plans did not materialize, and as of late 2024, no significant progress has been made on the sequel.
Despite the lack of official updates, it is worth noting that Angie Harmon signed a multi-movie deal with Lifetime. This suggests that Buried in Barstow was always intended to be part of a larger story arc. However, the absence of major announcements or filming developments in the two years since the film’s release leaves fans wondering whether the sequel will ever happen.
The Gaps in Information
The fact that so little has been officially revealed since the release of the first film does not bode well for Buried in Barstow 2. Though the film gained attention and even earned some positive critical reception for its engaging narrative and compelling performances, the two-year gap without any major updates on a sequel does not inspire confidence. While the sequel is not officially cancelled, the lack of information is a cause for concern for many fans hoping to see the story continue.
Who Could Return in Buried in Barstow 2? Cast Speculations
While there has been no official confirmation about the cast of Buried in Barstow 2, there are a few key characters whose return seems almost guaranteed. First and foremost is Angie Harmon, who plays the lead role of Hazel King. Given that Hazel’s story is at the heart of the film series, it would be surprising if Harmon did not return for the sequel.
Another character who will likely return is George Paez, who plays Javier, Hazel’s friend and colleague. Since the first film ends with Javier being kidnapped, his storyline is left unresolved, and fans will likely want to see his fate explored in the sequel. Furthermore, Hazel’s daughter, Joy (Lauren Richards), and her love interest, Elliot (Kristoffer Polaha), are both integral to the narrative, meaning it’s very possible they will also return.
In addition to the returning characters, it’s expected that Buried in Barstow 2 would introduce new faces to the story, further developing the world around Hazel and her complicated past. However, until Lifetime makes an official announcement, all of these casting assumptions remain speculative.
The Presumptive Cast of Buried in Barstow 2
- Angie Harmon – Hazel King
- George Paez – Javier
- Kristoffer Polaha – Elliot
- Lauren Richards – Joy King
What Will Happen in Buried in Barstow 2? Possible Storylines
While Buried in Barstow 2 has not been officially confirmed, we can speculate on several potential storylines based on the cliffhanger ending of the first film and the themes established in the original movie.
Hazel’s Recovery and the Hunt for the Assassin
The most immediate storyline for the sequel would likely involve Hazel’s recovery after being shot by the mysterious assassin. Since the first movie ends with Hazel seemingly left for dead, the sequel could pick up right where the original film left off, showing how she survives and who comes to her aid. Given that Hazel has few allies left, it is likely that Elliot will play a significant role in saving her and helping her track down the person responsible for her attack.
Rescuing Javier
Another key plotline that will likely continue in the sequel is the rescue of Javier. At the end of Buried in Barstow, Javier is kidnapped by the assassin, and his fate is left uncertain. Hazel is deeply committed to her friends, and saving Javier will likely become one of her main objectives in the sequel. As she teams up with Elliot, the two may uncover more of the criminal network Hazel is trying to escape.
Revealing the Mastermind Behind Hazel’s Attack
The identity of the person who sent the assassin after Hazel is a major mystery that needs resolution. Throughout Buried in Barstow, Hazel’s father, Von, acts as a looming figure of authority in her life, so it is possible that the person who ordered the hit could be tied to him or another figure from Hazel’s criminal past. Uncovering the mastermind behind Hazel’s attack would be a central focus of the sequel, and it could involve both action-packed scenes and deep character exploration.
Hazel’s Ongoing Battle with Her Past
One of the central themes of Buried in Barstow is Hazel’s struggle to leave her past behind. The sequel could delve deeper into this inner conflict, showing Hazel’s continued efforts to protect her daughter, navigate her relationship with Elliot, and confront her violent past. Her journey of redemption could become the backbone of the sequel, as she is forced to confront new threats that continue to pull her back into the world she tried to escape.
Conclusion
As of now, the status of Buried in Barstow 2 remains unclear. While Angie Harmon has expressed interest in continuing the franchise, and there are many exciting potential storylines for the sequel, the lack of updates since 2022 is concerning. Fans of the first movie are still hopeful, but whether Buried in Barstow 2 will become a reality remains to be seen.
For now, we can only speculate on what might happen next for Hazel King and her friends, but one thing is certain: if the sequel happens, it will likely be packed with suspense, action, and drama, just like the original film.
