Behind ‘The Recruit’ Season 2’s Multi-Year Delay: Strikes, Subtitles, and South Korea

Netflix’s spy drama The Recruit returns with its much-anticipated second season, but the journey to its release has been anything but smooth. With production delays caused by Hollywood strikes, Netflix’s intricate post-production process, and extensive filming in South Korea, Season 2 has faced multiple setbacks.

A New Take on Espionage

At first glance, The Recruit may seem like a standard spy thriller, packed with action, suspense, and covert operations. However, showrunner Alexi Hawley has ensured that the series brings a fresh perspective. Unlike the typical anti-hero trope, protagonist Owen Hendricks (played by Noah Centineo) is not a suave James Bond or a ruthless Jason Bourne. Instead, he’s an inexperienced CIA lawyer trying to survive in a high-stakes world.

“He’s not trying to be cool,” Hawley told TheWrap. “You root for him because he’s relatable—someone who stumbles, falls, and keeps going.”

The Challenges of Bringing Season 2 to Life

The first season of The Recruit premiered in December 2022 and quickly became a hit, prompting Netflix to greenlight a second season. However, production faced significant hurdles.

1. Pandemic and Travel Restrictions: Development for Season 1 began in 2021, still in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. International filming plans were disrupted, forcing the team to relocate from Morocco to Vienna.
2. Hollywood Strikes: The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes led to an estimated six-month delay in production.
3. Netflix’s Post-Production Process: According to Hawley, Netflix requires an additional four to five months after a season is completed for translation, subtitling, and quality checks before release.

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The Shift from Rom-Com to Action Thriller

Before The Recruit, Noah Centineo was best known for rom-coms like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Perfect Date. Initially, Netflix anticipated that his rom-com audience would be the primary viewership. However, action fans turned out in greater numbers. As a result, Season 2 leans more into high-stakes espionage, reducing the romantic comedy elements.

Hawley, an action genre enthusiast, embraced the shift, ensuring that fight scenes were more immersive and realistic. Stunt coordinator Marshall Virtue designed Owen’s action sequences to be raw and unpredictable, reflecting his inexperience as a fighter.

South Korea’s Role in Season 2

One of the most significant developments in The Recruit Season 2 is its South Korean setting. Unlike shows that use international locations merely for aesthetics, Hawley wanted to integrate South Korea’s culture, landscapes, and combat techniques authentically.

The addition of actor Teo Yoo (Past Lives) as Jang Kyu, Owen’s rival-turned-ally, was pivotal. Yoo’s expertise in martial arts allowed for authentic fight choreography, incorporating elements of taekwondo and wushu.

Filming in Seoul’s bustling night markets and its intricate subway system added a unique dynamic to the season’s action sequences. “We wanted to meet the country where it is rather than forcing our style onto it,” Hawley explained.

What’s Next for The Recruit?

With Season 2 finally streaming on Netflix, the creators are already looking ahead. Hawley envisions at least four seasons, exploring Owen’s evolution within the CIA. Noah Centineo and Teo Yoo have expressed interest in continuing the series, especially if they get to collaborate further.

“There’s a plan for more episodes,” Centineo hinted. “And yes, it might even include a little romance.”

For now, fans can immerse themselves in the high-octane world of The Recruit Season 2, knowing that there’s plenty more action—and chaos—to come.