What the ‘Trap’ Ending Reveals About a Potential Sequel (Spoilers!)

In M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, “Trap,” Josh Hartnett plays Cooper, a seemingly mild-mannered father who harbors a dark secret. The film’s gripping narrative and chilling conclusion set the stage for possible future developments. Here’s a breakdown of the ending and what it could mean for a sequel.

Plot Summary and Ending

• Cooper’s Dual Life: Josh Hartnett’s character, Cooper, is a serial killer known as “The Butcher.” His dark side is hidden from his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue), who believes they are simply attending a concert for her favorite pop singer, Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan).
• The Trap Unfolds: During the concert, Cooper realizes that the event is a trap designed to catch him. While trying to evade the authorities and monitor his captive via a phone app, he ends up using Lady Raven as a means of escape.
• Lady Raven’s Counterattack: At Cooper’s home, Lady Raven cleverly gains Cooper’s trust by playing a piano piece and then locks herself in the bathroom. She uses social media to crowd-source help, ultimately leading to her escape and Cooper’s capture.
• Cooper’s Final Act: After his capture, Cooper is poisoned by his wife Rachel (Alison Pill), who discovers his true nature. He undergoes intense psychological interrogation by FBI profiler Hayley Mills. In a shocking twist, Cooper manages to escape from police custody by using a metal spoke from his daughter’s bicycle, leaving viewers with an unsettling grin as the film ends.

Mid-Credits Scene

• A Comic Relief: Shyamalan’s rare use of a mid-credits scene offers a lighter touch. Jamie (Jonathan Langdon), the merch vendor who unknowingly assists Cooper by revealing details about the investigation, makes a brief appearance. This scene adds a comedic element and provides a hint of the film’s offbeat humor.

What This Means for a Sequel

• Ongoing Threat: The ending shows Cooper’s escape and his unrepentant grin, suggesting that his reign of terror is far from over. His ability to outwit the authorities and his continued presence as a threat could set up a tense and thrilling follow-up.
• Character Development: The psychological depth and unresolved storylines of Cooper, his family, and Lady Raven offer ample material for further exploration. A sequel could delve deeper into Cooper’s twisted psyche and the fallout from his capture and escape.
• Sequel Potential: Shyamalan’s choice to end with an open possibility for Cooper’s return indicates that there’s more to explore in this universe. Fans of the film might see more of Cooper’s dark adventures and how his family and Lady Raven respond to his continued menace.

As the film concludes with a chilling note and a hint of comedic relief, “Trap” leaves audiences anticipating what might come next. The intriguing end scene and Shyamalan’s knack for suspense suggest that a sequel could deliver even more thrills and twists