Stallone’s Long‑Awaited Jump into the Superhero Arena
It took more than thirty years for one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action icons to step onto the superhero stage, and his latest venture is finally arriving on a free‑streaming platform. Sylvester Stallone’s polarising entry, Samaritan, will be available on Tubi beginning November 1, 2025. For clarity, the film does not count Stallone’s previous turns as Judge Dredd, Stakar Ogord, or King Shark as “superhero” outings.
A Quick Look at the 2022 Film
Directed by Julius Avery, Samaritan follows the inquisitive thirteen‑year‑old Sam Cleary (played by Javon “Wanna” Walton) who becomes convinced that his eccentric, withdrawn neighbor Mr. Smith (Stallone) is actually a legendary masked guardian hiding in plain sight. The story is set in Granite City, where two decades earlier a fire‑engulfed showdown between the city’s vigilante, Samaritan, and his arch‑rival Nemesis was believed to have ended the hero’s life.
The cast also features Martin Starr, Moisés Arias, Dascha Polanco, and Pilou Asbæk, adding depth to the ensemble. The official synopsis reads:
“When crime spikes and the city teeters on the edge of chaos, Sam decides to unmask his neighbor, hoping to revive a hero thought dead. The fate of Granite City may rest on whether Mr. Smith will step out of the shadows.”
Critical and Audience Reception
Rotten Tomatoes gave the original release a 38 % “rotten” rating, reflecting a split among critics. In contrast, audience sentiment was considerably warmer, with a 70 % score on Popcorn Meter. Viewers praised Stallone’s gritty, world‑weary performance, noting that the film delivers a “refreshingly grizzled spin on the superhero formula.”
A Franchise Begins: Samaritan 2 in Development
Even with its uneven critical reception, the film has spawned a sequel in the pipeline. Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that Samaritan 2 is under active development. Writer Bragi F. Schut returns to pen the script, and Stallone is slated to reprise his enigmatic role as Joe Smith.
The first movie ends with a twist: Stallone’s character is revealed not to be Samaritan, but Nemesis, the former antagonist, while the true Samaritan—Nemesis’s own brother—died in the original warehouse blaze. This revelation sets the stage for a sequel that could explore whether Nemesis abandons his villainous past to assume his brother’s mantle, or whether a fresh hero emerges to hunt him for past transgressions.
Details remain under wraps, but fans can anticipate a narrative that builds directly on the original’s shocking climax, potentially redefining the series’ moral center.
What to Anticipate When Samaritan Streams
- Free Access: Tubi offers the film at no cost, making it easy for casual viewers and hardcore Stallone fans alike to watch.
- Family‑Friendly Mystery: While the movie contains action‑heavy sequences, its central mystery— a kid’s quest to uncover a hidden hero—offers a relatable hook for a broad audience.
- Potential for a New Superhero Universe: With Amazon MGM backing the sequel, the Samaritan brand may evolve into a larger franchise, possibly intersecting with other genre properties in the streaming ecosystem.
Bottom Line
Sylvester Stallone finally joins the superhero conversation, and Samaritan will be streaming for free on Tubi this November. Whether you’re drawn by the nostalgic appeal of Stallone’s grizzled heroics, the youthful curiosity of Sam Cleary, or the promise of a sequel that could flip the hero‑villain dynamic, the film offers a fresh, off‑beat take on the genre. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements from Amazon MGM Studios for the next chapter in this unexpectedly compelling saga.
Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on Samaritan 2, casting news, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes insights.
