Is R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned woke?
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned (2022)
Movie
Released: January 1, 2022
Wokeness Score
3/10
Light Social Awareness
Some light diversity or inclusion elements that feel natural and organic. Woke themes are subtle, non-intrusive, and fully integrated into the story without drawing attention to themselves.
Key Summary Points
- Avatar disguise mechanic casts leads as Black female bounty hunters in Wild West setting
- Light historical nods to racism and sexism remain background and non-intrusive
- Diverse supporting cast blends naturally without agenda-driven focus
Wokeness Analysis
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is a low-budget direct-to-video prequel set in the 1876 Wild West that blends supernatural action, comedy, and fantasy elements around the Rest In Peace Department. The core story follows a resurrected sheriff paired with a historical figure in the afterlife to battle demons and prevent a portal to hell from opening. The most notable modern element is the afterlife avatars: the white male sheriff and female Joan of Arc partner reemerge on Earth as two Black female bounty hunters. This device serves the plot's disguise and identity-shifting mechanics rather than pushing any explicit agenda. Reviews note the presence of themes around racism and sexism tied to the historical setting, but they appear as light background flavor without dominating the narrative or delivering lectures. Casting includes diverse actors in supporting roles, yet these choices integrate organically into the ensemble without feeling contrived or prioritized over story and action. The film remains focused on gunfights, undead chaos, revenge, and buddy-cop dynamics, with any inclusion feeling natural to the genre-blend premise. No heavy-handed social commentary or indoctrination emerges; entertainment and escapism drive the experience. Viewers seeking pure fun over messaging will find little to object to beyond the occasional era-appropriate nod.
Plot
In 1876, Wild West sheriff Roy Pulsipher is killed and recruited into the R.I.P.D., an afterlife law enforcement agency. Paired with the warrior Jeanne d'Arc, the duo returns to Earth to stop a demon from opening a hell portal and unleashing chaos. They take the form of Black female bounty hunters while pursuing revenge and battling undead threats. The film mixes Western action, fantasy, comedy, and zombie elements in a prequel to the 2013 original.