Clarke the Comet in ‘Greenland’: Not Named After Sci-Fi Legend

Clarke the Comet in 'Greenland': Not Named After Sci-Fi Legend

Remember the thrill of watching Greenland back in 2020? It was a gripping story of survival as John Garrity, played by Gerard Butler, raced against time to save his family from a catastrophic comet impact. Now, fans of the heart-pounding original can rejoice as a sequel, Greenland 2: Migration, makes its way to theaters. This time, John and his family step out from the safety of their underground bunker to find a new place to call home.

The storyline remains intense, centering around “Clarke,” the colossal comet that brings chaos to Earth. But there’s a twist about the comet’s name that might surprise you.

Was Clarke Really Named After Arthur C. Clarke?

You might have thought that the name “Clarke” was a nod to the legendary science fiction author, right? Think again! Director Ric Roman Waugh has confirmed that the comet’s name is more of a playful choice than an homage. The name wasn’t plucked from the pages of 2001: A Space Odyssey or Childhood’s End.

“No,” Waugh responded to io9 when asked about the connection to the famed writer. “We were toying with the idea of how hurricanes get their names. A comet like this was destined to cause havoc, just like a hurricane—but we didn’t want to throw around a technical name like ‘X8343.’”

Why Choose Such a Common Name?

The decision to go with “Clarke” reflects a deliberate choice to connect with viewers on a simple, human level. Waugh shared, “I liked that John Garrity’s name is just ‘John.’ It’s an ordinary name for an extraordinary scenario. It makes these characters feel relatable and reminds us that anyone could be facing such disasters.”

What Makes the Sequel Stand Out?

The sequel, Greenland 2: Migration, brings fresh challenges as the Garrity family emerges from their underground sanctuary. Now, they must navigate a world forever changed by Clarke’s descent. Expect thrilling new dynamics and the exploration of what it means to rebuild a life in the aftermath of catastrophe.

When Does Greenland 2: Migration Release in Theaters?

The movie opens in theaters on January 9. Make sure to catch it on the big screen to feel the full impact of its heart-stopping action.

What Themes Does Greenland Explore?

Both films dive into themes of survival, family, and resilience. They remind us of the depths of human spirit in the face of calamity, portraying characters that reflect our own lives.

What Can We Expect from the Future of the Franchise?

While Waugh hasn’t revealed detailed plans for a further continuation, fans are certainly buzzing about what could come next. As the world faces new challenges, the narrative possibilities are endless.

So, remember: sometimes a “Clarke” is just a “Clarke.” We can celebrate that simplicity among all the chaos. What did you think of the original film? Excited for the sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!