Fans of the hit Lifetime original movie have spent years wondering when the next chapter in Hazel King's story will drop. While the official premiere date for Buried in Barstow 2 remains under wraps, production updates confirm that the sequel has been greenlit. Angie Harmon is returning as the retired assassin-turned-diner owner, alongside back-to-back development for a third installment.
If you're tracking the timeline, cast developments, and plot expectations for this action-thriller sequel, here's everything you need to know about where the project stands right now.
Production Status and Release Timeline
Getting a sequel to the screen takes time, especially with complex scheduling for lead actors and crew. Following the strong ratings of the 2002 debut, viewers expected an immediate follow-up. Instead, the project entered a lengthy development cycle before networks officially moved forward.
Production updates indicate that parts two and three are slated to film back-to-back. Because shooting schedules require months of physical preparation, stunt choreography, and post-production editing, networks typically hold off on announcing an exact calendar date until a rough cut is finalized. You can expect promotional trailers and official network announcements once post-production wraps up.
What Happened in the First Movie
To understand where the sequel picks up, it helps to recall the chaotic final moments of the original film. Hazel King, played by Angie Harmon, thought she left her violent past behind while running a quiet Barstow barbecue joint. Her life unraveled when her troubled daughter Joy and mysterious stranger Elliot dragged her back into the criminal underworld.
The climax delivered a massive family twist: Hazel tracked down her abusive mentor and boss, Von, only to discover he was her biological father. She eliminated him and returned home to normal life, but the closing seconds left fans on a cliffhanger. Masked assailants attacked the diner parking lot, kidnapped Javier, and shot Hazel as she tried to intervene. The sequel has to untangle this messy aftermath immediately.
Cast and Characters Returning
While major character rosters can shift during long production gaps, key figures are locked in for the continuation of Hazel's journey.
- Angie Harmon as Hazel King: The anchor of the franchise, returning as the lethal mother balancing small-town life with extreme combat skills.
- Kristoffer Polaha as Elliot: The enigmatic figure with hidden motives whose dynamic with Hazel remains complicated.
- Lauren Richards as Joy King: Hazel's daughter, whose safety and future drive much of the underlying emotional tension.
- Supporting ensemble: Additional local characters and new threats will flesh out the expanding criminal ecosystem.
Story Arcs and Plot Expectations
The sequel won't waste time getting back into the action. Expect the narrative to focus heavily on resolving the diner shootout. Hazel has to survive her gunshot wounds, track down the kidnappers who took Javier, and protect her family from residual syndicate members who want revenge for Von's death.
Screenwriters have plenty of room to explore Hazel's origins further. Now that she has fully embraced her deadly skillset again, the narrative can lean harder into gritty revenge-thriller territory rather than the initial hesitation seen in the first film.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Buried in Barstow 2 premiere on television?
An exact calendar date has not been locked in by the network yet. Production updates indicate active development, so fans should watch for official teasers.
Can I stream the first movie online?
Yes. The original film is available on select digital platforms and through Amazon Prime Video depending on regional licensing agreements.
Is Kristoffer Polaha returning for the sequel?
Yes, Polaha is set to reprise his role as Elliot, continuing his complex relationship with Hazel.
Will there be more than two movies?
Lifetime has greenlit both part two and part three to shoot back-to-back, signaling a multi-film expansion for the franchise.
