TheNetflixaction blockbusterThe Gray Manjust got clearance to go loud, with two new installments already confirmed. The film will be getting a direct sequel and an in-universe spin-off.
Netflixannounced the news today, less than a week afterThe Gray Manwas released on the streaming platformon July 22 following a limited theatrical release a week earlier. Star Ryan Gosling and directors Joe and Anthony Russo are confirmed to be returning for the sequel, while the spin-off will be penned byDeadpoolscreenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese.
RELATED:Action Movie Face-Offs To Watch After The Gray Man
With the announcement coming so quickly after the film’s release, it’s clear that the plans had already been made beforehand.The Russo brotherssaid in a statement that, “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.” They went on to say, “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 Manis based on a novel by Mark Greaney, a frequent collaborator of Tom Clancy who took over Clancy’s Jack Ryan series after the legendary writer’s death. The film centers around a CIA black ops assassin code-named Sierra Six ( Gosling) and the psychopathic mercenary Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans) sent to kill Six when the CIA learns he is in possession of potentially damaging information. Greaney’s novel, which served as the source material for the film, has 11 sequels, so there will be plenty of material for Netflix to expand the action film into a franchise. Almost nothing is known about the spin-off film, but based on Netflix’s announcement, it appears it will follow a character other than Gosling’s Sierra Six, and an obvious choice might be CIA agent Dani Miranda (played by Ana de Armas).
The way Netflix announced two newGray Manfilms faster than a speeding bullet shows that they think they’ve finally found their franchise. The film appears to be performing well with audiences so far (91% on Rotten Tomatoes as of writing), but less so with critics (48%). It remains to be seen if the film’s concept has enough staying power to sustain two more films in quick succession.
