Why Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry Never Kiss in ‘The Union’: Inside the Franchise-Building Strategy

When The Union debuted on August 16, 2024, audiences expected sparks to fly between Mark Wahlberg’s blue-collar hero Mike and Halle Berry’s enigmatic spy Roxanne. The film—a fast-paced action-comedy thriller helmed by Julian Farino—certainly delivered on chemistry and high-octane spectacle. But as the credits rolled, one thing was conspicuously absent: a kiss between its charismatic leads.

That creative decision wasn’t a matter of oversight, but a calculated move designed to serve a bigger franchise vision. According to director Julian Farino, the choice was “long debated” and rooted in Netflix’s early guidance. Speaking with Variety after the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Farino explained, “You have to think of this as a possible three-movie idea. We take the relationship to a certain place, and then I think you’ve got to leave a lot of space to go. If an audience comes out wanting a kiss, then we’ve probably done alright, in my opinion.”

The strategy? Build tension and invest viewers in Mike and Roxanne’s slow-burn romance, saving the payoff for a potential sequel—or two. This approach mirrors the studio’s broader franchise-first mindset, as seen in other Netflix properties like Extraction and Red Notice. By holding back, the filmmakers hope to keep audiences eager for more, extending the romantic arc across several installments.

Halle Berry echoed the director’s reasoning, saying, “Once they kiss, then it’s over. We’re hoping if we get to do a second one, we’ll let that chase continue. You want to see the journey—to see these two high school sweethearts find each other.” For Berry and Farino, the romance is about the anticipation, not just the destination.

Mark Wahlberg, for his part, leaned into the “blue-collar James Bond” persona, focusing on action and everyday relatability rather than cinematic romance. That grounding may have also informed the film’s tone, keeping the focus on camaraderie, banter, and globe-trotting thrills.

Yet the no-kiss gambit has proven divisive. While some critics praised the palpable chemistry and clever restraint, others, including many on social media, were frustrated by the lack of romantic resolution. With a 28% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, opinions have ranged from “generic” to “surprisingly fun,” and the kiss debate remains a lightning rod for discussion.

The trend isn’t isolated: 2024’s Twisters faced similar scrutiny for its romantic restraint, reflecting a broader industry shift toward delayed gratification in hopes of building multi-film sagas. Still, for fans accustomed to rom-com payoffs, the strategy can feel risky.

Filmed on location in London, New Jersey, Slovenia, and Croatia, The Union wrapped production in fall 2022, overcoming logistical hurdles and local complaints to bring its globe-spanning story to the screen. As of June 2025, no sequel has been officially announced, but Farino’s comments suggest the door remains wide open.

For now, viewers are left hanging—waiting to see if Mike and Roxanne’s story will continue, and if that long-awaited kiss will finally arrive. In an era defined by franchise ambition, The Union bets on patience, chemistry, and the promise of more to come.