Scarcely a week after The Gray Man had its July 15 debut in selected theaters, Netflix announced it was turning things into a franchise by developing a spinoff and sequel to the Russo brothers’ film.
Based on a novel series by Mark Greaney, The Gray Man began in 2009 and now includes 11 novels, with another to be published in 2023. The sequel, product of a 0 million budget, once again sees Ryan Gosling in the starring role in a script again written by Stephen McFeely.
This is the third Russo Brothers film to premiere on Netflix.
In its first week, the newly released film has already received strong support at the box office, say the Russo brothers, who issued this statement: “The audience reaction to The Gray Man has been nothing short of phenomenal. 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.”
Commenting on Netflix’s just-announced plans, Global Film’s head honcho Scott Stuber declared, “With The Gray Man, the Russos delivered an edge-of-your-seat spectacle that audiences around the world are loving. We’re excited to continue to partner with them and the team at AGBO as they build out The Gray Man universe.”
While details for the spin-off are still unknown, it has been reported that the screenplay will be written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese.
In The Gray Man films, ex-CIA operative Court Gentry (Sierra Six) is being stalked as he threatens to reveal some of the agency’s darkest secrets. Pursued by a bounty-hunting colleague named Lloyd Hansen, Gentry seeks the support of agent Dani Miranda to stay out of harm’s way. The role of Hansen is played by Chris Evans, and that of Miranda by Ana de Armas.
In spite of the thumbs up from audiences—91% favorable on Rotten Tomatoes–media critics are having a mixed reaction to The Gray Man.
Variety’s Peter Debruge praised the film as a “Bond-level summer blockbuster…[and] the most exciting original action property Netflix has delivered since Bright.” But AP’s Jocelyn Noveck was not so impressed, calling it “a little aimless, perplexingly bland, and — what’s the word we’re looking for? Oh yes. Gray.”
But the creative brothers are hoping that audience buzz will ultimately trump any pans from the critics. As Joe Russo told an interviewer for Deadline this week: Everybody loves the movie. “The audience score is fantastic, the response has been overwhelming, No. 1 in 93 countries. Evans and Gosling are very happy with the film, Ryan has told me his mother said it’s her favorite movie he’s ever made. We’ll take that as certification that we need a sequel, that feedback from Ryan’s mother. Everyone’s happy, loved working together. We just got back from traveling the globe and the response was tremendous.
We’re excited to expand the story.”
No release date for the new sequel has yet been announced.