The Gray Man just debuted on Netflix last week, but the streamer already has some big plans for it as a growing franchise. Today, Netflix announced not only a sequel to the thriller, but a spin-off as well, instantly making The Gray Man the company’s next cinematic universe. The company says its plan is to turn it into “a great spy franchise.”
Netflix says the currently untitled sequel is in development, and that star Ryan Gosling and directors Joe and Anthony Russo are set to return alongside co-writer Stephen McFeely. No word on when it might debut. As for the spin-off, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, best known for their work on the Deadpool movies, will serve as writers. According to Netflix, “the record is being kept secret” for now.
“We always intended the gray man to be part of an expanded universe”
“Audience reaction to The Gray Man has been nothing short of phenomenal,” the Russians said in a statement. “We’re so grateful for the enthusiasm that fans around the world have had for this film. With so many incredible characters in the film, we’ve always wanted the Gray Man to be part of an expanded universe, and We’re thrilled that Netflix is announcing a sequel with Ryan, as well as a second script that we’re excited about. talk about [it] soon.”
This isn’t Netflix’s first attempt at creating its own blockbuster movie franchise. The company picked up sequels to Rian Johnson’s Knives Out and ordered sequels and spin-offs to Zack Snyder’s zombie film Army of the Dead. Considering that Netflix spent $200 million to make the first Gray Man, it’s no surprise that the company wants to make it into something bigger than a stand-alone movie.
Of course, this is all an attempt to emulate the sprawling success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was on full display at Comic-Con this weekend: Marvel announced multiple projects along with the next two phases of the its narrative plans, which last until 2025. .