Ten years have passed since John Carter last walked the red sands of Barsoom, and in John Carter 2 (2025) we find him changed. He is more confident in his Martian strength, yet haunted by the mysteries of his origins. The opening scenes show him wandering through a barren Martian canyon, recalling visions of ancient keepers and a prophecy that warns of a power stirring beneath Mars’ surface. His medallion pulses faintly, stirring both hope and dread. He senses that his mission is far from over.

Meanwhile, Queen Dejah Thoris rules Helium with dignity but under constant threat. A new warlord emerges from the distant Therns’ stronghold, armed with advanced technology and forbidden knowledge. He rallies disgruntled clans and dark forces, promising to restore an old order in which the ancient “Firstfolk” of Mars rule from hidden citadels. As whispers spread that Dejah’s child has been taken, the realms of Barsoom teeter on the edge of chaos.

When an emissary from Kantos Kan arrives in the wilds to summon Carter, the narrative accelerates. Carter must travel down the River Iss, through subterranean tunnels, into the secret domains beneath the Martian crust. There he discovers that Mars hides a hidden civilization—an underground world never seen by the surface-dwelling races. The Firstfolk have maintained control of key resources and manipulated surface politics for centuries. Carter realizes the conflict is not purely one of armies, but of an ancient conspiracy that extends from the core of Barsoom.

As he ventures deeper, Carter encounters horrifying beasts, mechanical guardians, and strange relics of a civilization that predates all known Martian tribes. Dejah, meanwhile, rallies the Helium guard and forges uneasy alliances with Thark clans, seeking to mount a rescue before her son is lost forever. The film intercuts between Carter’s perilous journey and Dejah’s political struggles, weaving them toward a climactic confrontation.

At last, Carter and Dejah reunite deep in the hidden citadel. The Firstfolk reveal their intention: to reclaim Mars from “lesser” races and restore a hierarchical dynasty. A massive battle erupts in caverns and over open skies, with flying ships, glowing energy weapons, and thundering monsters. Carter must accept his dual heritage—as Earthman and Martian—to defeat the warlord and save his family.

In the final act, sacrifice becomes necessary. The subterranean empire begins to collapse. Carter uses his medallion in a bold gambit that reshapes the fate of Barsoom. Dejah stands by him, and together they usher in an uncertain new dawn—one in which the future of Mars is theirs to decide.