The Neverending Story 2 Ending Explained, Plot, and Cast
by Reshwanth A | Updated May 05, 2023
The Never Ending Story 2 Ending Explained
The climax of "The NeverEnding Story" is both thrilling and emotionally charged, as the fate of Fantasia and its inhabitants hangs in the balance. Atreyu, who has been trying to uncover Xayide's nefarious plan, is caught in a struggle with Bastian, who has been manipulated by Xayide into thinking that Atreyu has turned against him. In a tragic turn of events, Atreyu is knocked over a cliff and falls to his death, leaving Bastian devastated. But it is at this moment of despair that Bastian shows his true character.
Using his penultimate memory of his mother, he makes a selfless wish to bring Atreyu back to life. This act of kindness not only saves Atreyu but also sets in motion the final confrontation between Bastian and Xayide. Xayide, who has been consumed by the Emptiness and has no capacity for compassion, tries to force Bastian to use his last wish to return home. But Bastian, having learned the importance of empathy and selflessness, makes a different wish. He wishes for Xayide to have a heart, which fills her with emotions and negates the Emptiness that she has been controlling.
Xayide's explosive reaction is not just a physical one but also a symbolic one, as she represents the dangers of succumbing to selfishness and losing touch with one's humanity. With Xayide's defeat, Fantasia is restored, and Bastian's memories return. The Childlike Empress, freed from Xayide's control, thanks Bastian for his help and shows him the way home. But before he can leave, he must overcome his fear of heights, which he does with the help of Barney and Atreyu.
The Never Ending Story 2 Cast
Jonathan Brandis
Bastin Balthazar Bux
J. Micheal Haney
Young Bastian Bux
Kenny Morrison
Atreyu
Clarissa Burt
Xayide
John Wesley Shipp
Barney Bux (Bastian’s Father)
Alexandra Johnes
Childlike Empress
Thomas Hill
Carl Conrad Coreander
Donald Arthur
Falkor
Martin Umbach
Nimbly
Christopher Burton
Tri-Face
Noah Hathaway
Atreyu
Dan Fincher
Rockbiter
Helena Michell
Mrs. Bux (Bastian's mother, who appears in a flashback)
Cast
Role
The Never Ending Story 2 Where to Watch
One of the easiest ways to watch "The NeverEnding Story II" is to rent or buy it on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. It's also available on DVD and Blu-ray, which you can purchase from retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. Digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu are online streaming services that allow users to rent or buy movies and TV shows digitally. These platforms offer a wide selection of titles that users can access from the comfort of their own homes, without having to physically purchase or rent a physical copy of the content.
To watch "The NeverEnding Story II" on these digital platforms, users can search for the movie and select the option to either rent or buy it. Renting the movie typically allows users to access it for a limited period of time, such as 24 or 48 hours, while buying the movie gives users permanent access to it. DVD and Blu-ray copies of the movie are physical copies that users can purchase from retailers such as Walmart and Best Buy. These copies can be played on a DVD or Blu-ray player connected to a TV or computer. They offer the advantage of having a physical copy of the movie that can be stored and played at any time, without being dependent on an internet connection or the availability of the movie on a streaming platform.
The Never Ending Story 2 Plot
Bastian Balthazar Bux is eager to join his school's swimming team but his fear of heights holds him back from performing well on the diving board. Seeking advice on courage, he returns to Carl Conrad Coreander's antiquarian bookstore and rediscovers the Neverending Story. He hears the Childlike Empress calling out to him for help and takes the book home, where the Auryn amulet magically comes off the book cover and transports him to Fantasia. There, he meets a bird-like creature named Nimbly and reunites with Atreyu.
Together, they learn that the force of "Emptiness" is spreading across Fantasia, caused by the evil sorceress Xayide who seeks to seize power. To impede Bastian's quest, Tri-Face, Xayide's inventor, creates an apparatus that erases one of Bastian's memories every time he uses the Auryn amulet to make a wish. Nimbly was sent to spy on Bastian and persuade him to make wishes until he forgets his purpose in coming to Fantasia. Bastian and Atreyu capture Xayide, who agrees to lead them to the Childlike Empress.
However, Xayide tricks Bastian into making a series of ridiculous wishes, while Atreyu realizes they are being led aimlessly. Meanwhile, Bastian's father Barney notices his son's disappearance and finds the Neverending Story in his room. Reading the book, Barney discovers his son's exploits in Fantasia and his own involvement in the story. In a struggle between Atreyu and Bastian, Atreyu is knocked over a cliff and falls to his death. Bastian discovers the apparatus and learns that he only has two memories left, consisting of his mother and father.
He uses his penultimate memory to wish Atreyu back to life and Xayide tries to force him to use his last wish to return home. However, Bastian wishes for Xayide "to have a heart," filling her with emotion and negating the Emptiness within her. Overcome with compassion, Xayide explodes in a blast of light, and Fantasia is restored, along with Bastian's memories. The Childlike Empress thanks Bastian for his help, and he gives her the Auryn amulet. She shows him the way home, a cliff overlooking a waterfall, to help him overcome his fear of heights. Encouraged by Barney and Atreyu, Bastian jumps off and returns home safely while the Auryn amulet magically goes back onto the book cover.
The NeverEnding Story 2 Trailer
The Never Ending Story 2 Ending Explained - FAQs
"The NeverEnding Story II" is available to rent or buy on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. It's also available on DVD and Blu-ray, which you can purchase from retailers like Walmart and Best Buy.
Yes, "The NeverEnding Story II" is a direct sequel to the first movie, continuing the story of Bastian Balthazar Bux and his adventures in the fantastical world of Fantasia.
While it's recommended that you watch the first movie before diving into the sequel, it's not strictly necessary to understand the plot of "The NeverEnding Story II." The movie does a good job of providing enough backstory and context to follow along.
"The NeverEnding Story II" is rated PG and is generally considered appropriate for children. However, some scenes may be too intense or scary for very young viewers, so parents should use their discretion.