Set against a festive Christmas backdrop, this action-packed narrative chronicles the journey of an ordinary TSA agent who transforms into an unlikely hero.
The protagonist, Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), must thwart a deadly plot while rescuing his girlfriend, Nora (Sofia Carson), from a gang of villains determined to set off a bomb.
Taron Egerton embodies the spirit of ‘90s action thrillers in a festive showdown (Photo: Carry-On/DreamWorks Pictures)Plot Summary
“Carry-On” features Ethan Kopek as the central character, a typical TSA agent facing one of the busiest travel days of the year: Christmas Eve. As the story comes to play, he morphs into a formidable action hero reminiscent of John McClane, willing to risk everything to protect those he loves.
According to Taron Egerton, the film captures the aim of ’90s action thrillers. “I read the script, and it immediately grabbed me. The premise is so compelling—an ordinary guy gets an earwig during the holiday rush and is faced with the threat to his girlfriend’s life. It’s a fantastic setup for a film.”
Ethan’s journey takes unexpected twists as he is coerced into allowing a bomb-laden suitcase to pass through security. Determined to save innocent lives, he takes it upon himself to confront the villain known as the Traveler.
Climactic Moments
As Ethan faces the Traveler in a dramatic showdown at the airport, the tension escalates when the antagonist boards the plane, threatening the lives of all passengers. However, Ethan refuses to relent; he springs into action and commandeers a belt loader, racing down the runway in pursuit of the departing aircraft.
Reflecting on this moment, Egerton expresses his amazement, describing it as the film’s most outrageous scene. “At that point, I thought, ‘Wow, this is getting wild!’ Before this, I felt Ethan was making the best choices given the extreme pressure he’s under.”
High Stakes on the Flight
The situation intensifies when police arrive, and Nora persuades them that Ethan is their best chance to defuse the bomb mid-flight. With lives hanging in the balance, Ethan locates the explosive device and switches its detonator to manual.
Meanwhile, the Traveler receives a notification indicating he can no longer control the bomb remotely, prompting him to confront Ethan in the cargo hold. A violent encounter ensues, leading to Ethan getting shot in the leg, which at the end creates a crisis that forces the pilots to divert the flight back to LAX.
As the plane descends, Ethan battles through his injury to secure the bomb inside a refrigerator while grappling with the imminent threat from the Traveler.
Final Confrontation
The Traveler approaches, taunting Ethan about their impending demise, believing he holds the upper hand. However, Ethan seizes a pivotal moment, confessing that his past failures stem from covering up his father’s crimes, prompting the Traveler to label him as a failure.
“This captures Ethan’s character arc throughout the film,” Egerton notes. “He’s on the brink of becoming a father, so it’s crucial for him to step up and embrace adulthood.” This exchange showcases the Traveler’s arrogance, emphasizing his unwavering confidence when compared to Ethan’s vulnerability.
In a shocking turn, Ethan reveals that he has the missing nerve agent cylinder, allowing him to take action. He charges at the Traveler, shoving him into the open fridge and smashing the deadly cylinder inside.
Egerton describes the dynamic between the characters, stating, “For most of the film, I felt trapped, so it was incredibly satisfying to finally take control and defeat him.”
The Repercussion
With the Traveler neutralized, the flight returns to LAX. In a heartfelt moment, Ethan and Nora share passionate kisses before the scene transitions back to the TSA security line, now portraying Ethan as a passenger with their baby in tow, on their way to a long-awaited vacation in Tahiti.
Love and danger collide as Ethan faces the ultimate test of courage (Photo: Carry-On/DreamWorks Pictures)The film concludes with a poignant image of Ethan discarding his police badge into the scanner, symbolizing his personal growth and fulfillment of his aspirations. “This theme of pursuing dreams and embracing new beginnings feels particularly fitting for Christmas,” Egerton reflects.
Ethan and Nora’s Future
Throughout the movie, Nora is pregnant with Ethan’s child. The flash-forward hints at their happiness, yet the absence of a wedding ring on Nora’s finger raises questions. Egerton envisions them as a settled couple likely to marry and start a family.
He also expresses his admiration for co-star Sofia Carson, highlighting her exceptional talent and warmth. “Working with her has been a joy, and if a sequel were to happen, I’d be intrigued to see where her character goes.”
Possibility of a Sequel
Egerton indicates his openness to a sequel, suggesting it could spark interesting discussions among fans. “If there’s interest, we could explore innovative ideas that would make a sequel worthwhile. It’s worth considering since sequels have proven successful in other franchises.”
He also emphasizes his belief that “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie, noting it’s one of his favorites. Drawing parallels, he insists that “Carry-On” can also hold that title, claiming, “Watching it filled me with Christmas spirit, so that’s my take.”
