Netflix is turning The Gray Man into a shared universe of films.
The streaming service announced that the Russo Brothers-directed action film starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans is serving as a platform for an expanded franchise. Netflix revealed that it’s developing a sequel to The Gray Man, confirming that Gosling will reprise his role as superspy Court Gentry while the Russo Brothers will once again direct. Stephen McFeely, who co-write the action thriller, is penning the script.
Netflix also revealed that it’s developing a spinoff of The Gray Man. While little is known about this project, the studio confirmed that Paul Wernick and Rhett Rheese will be writing the film which is expected to “explore a different element” of the universe. At the time of publication, the movie’s logline is being kept under wraps.
“The audience reaction to The Gray Man has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Joe and Anthony Russo. “We are so appreciative of the enthusiasm that fans across the world have had for this film. With so many amazing characters in the movie, we had always intended for the Gray Man to be part of an expanded universe, and we are thrilled that Netflix is announcing a sequel with Ryan, as well as a second script that we’re excited to talk about soon.”
The Gray Man follows Court Gentry (Gosling), the CIA’s top asset, as he goes on the run after discovering secrets that his superiors would rather keep buried. The highly trained spy is pushed to his limits after his previous employee sends the world’s most lethal assassins to hunt him down, including Lloyd Hansen (Evans), a sociopathic former-CIA agent.
The Gray Man proved to be a major success for Netflix, debuting as the number one film in 92 countries and earning positive reviews from audiences. Despite this, many critics found the Russo Brother’s latest film to be wanting as many felt the action and writing were unsatisfying. CBR’s Narayan Liu writes that while The Gray Man presents itself as an exciting superhero film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it “lacks the colorful characters that make all of that work for the MCU.”
The Gray Man is now streaming on Netflix. Neither the sequel nor the spinoff has a release date.
