Will There Be A Most Violent Year 2? Jessica Chastain Is Still Waiting

The haunting tension and moral complexity of A Most Violent Year left audiences craving more—and nearly a decade later, whispers of a sequel continue to echo through Hollywood. Jessica Chastain, who portrayed the razor-sharp Anna Morales, has made it clear: she’s still waiting for the script that could bring this story back to life.

Directed by J.C. Chandor and released in 2014, the original film was a slow-burning crime drama set in the volatile landscape of 1981 New York City. It followed Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), an immigrant businessman trying to expand his heating oil company while fending off violent competitors and legal scrutiny. At his side was Anna, his formidable wife, whose steely resolve and streetwise instincts often outpaced her husband’s idealism. The film was praised for its atmospheric storytelling, nuanced performances, and its exploration of capitalism, ambition, and moral compromise.

Chastain has repeatedly expressed her desire to revisit Anna Morales, describing her as a woman “ready to be let out of her cage.” In interviews, she’s speculated about what Anna might look like ten years later—possibly at the helm of the family empire, wielding power with the same ruthless precision that made her unforgettable. Her 2020 tweet teasing a return to the characters sparked renewed interest, and she’s since confirmed that she’s “waiting on” a script from Chandor.

Adding fuel to the fire, actor David Oyelowo—who played a district attorney in the original—has floated the idea of turning the story into a trilogy. According to Oyelowo, Chandor once envisioned a series of films, each set a decade apart, chronicling the evolution of New York City and the Morales family’s place within it.

Despite the enthusiasm from the cast, no official production has begun. The sequel remains in limbo, with Chandor yet to deliver a finished script. However, the film’s cult following and critical acclaim suggest that there’s a strong foundation for a return. The original may have been overlooked by the Oscars, but its legacy has only grown stronger over time.

For now, fans of A Most Violent Year will have to wait patiently. But with Chastain’s passion and Chandor’s vision, the possibility of A Most Violent Year 2 remains tantalizingly real.

Keep an eye on this space—Anna Morales may not be done ruling the roost just yet.