Tenet 2? The line that hints at sequel to Christopher Nolan movie

While unlikely, there’s one big reason why a follow-up could work

There is a line in Tenet that could set up a possible sequel should Christopher Nolan decide to make one.

Aside from the Dark Knight trilogy, the director has been hesitant to return to the world of his original films, and it’s a certainty he feels the same with Tenet.

However, he couldn’t resist peppering in a few hints that are sure to stir hope among the film’s bigger fans.

One such moment arrives towards the end of the film, so yes – major spoilers follow.

Following the climactic battle, in which Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh) has attempted to reverse the entropy of the world (more on that here), it is revealed that Neil (Robert Pattinson) has known The Protagonist (John David Washinton) for quite some time.

In fact, The Protagonist is the one who signed Neil up to this particular mission – only he hasn’t done it yet. He will devise the “Tenet” mission after the events of the film by inverting to a point where he could recruit Neil before he ever met him.

This is why Neil knows more than he’s letting on about the mission – and also about The Protagonist’s drinking habits.

Neil, having helped The Protagonist carry out his mission, goes on his way, describing this moment as the end of what he describes as “a beautiful friendship”. For the protagonist, it’s only the beginning – and Neil assures him: “We get up to stuff.”

The ‘Tenet’ mission is not what it seems to the Protagonist, played by John David Washington (Warner Bros Pictures)

It’s this line that has sequel, or even spin-off potential. Another film set within the world of Tenet showing exactly the missions The Protagonist and Neil undertake would be the perfect excuse for a follow-up.

Many people are being left baffled by Tenet – if you’re one of those people, find an explanation of every confusing moment here.

Tenet is in cinemas in select countries worldwide now.