Netflix spy thriller The Gray Man is getting its own universe on Netflix.
The original feature, which was produced with the potential of the franchise in mind, will have a sequel as well as a spin-off film.
The sequel has Ryan Gosling and directors Joe and Anthony Russo (no strangers to cinematic universes) returning, with The Gray Man co-writer Stephen McFeely penning the script. The Russos and Mike Larocca will produce through their AGBO banner, along with Joe Roth and Jeffrey Kirschenbaum for Roth Kirschenbaum Films.
As for the spin-off, plot details are being kept under wraps, but Deadpool writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese are behind the script.
The Gray Man, which premiered on the Netflix streaming service on July 22 after a limited theatrical run starting on July 15, is based on the best-selling book series by Mark Greaney. The film stars Gosling as Secret Agent Six, who was being tracked down by a sociopathic mercenary, played by Chris Evans, at the behest of a high-ranking government official hoping to cover up his own wrongdoing .
Critics were mixed on The Gray Man, which holds a 48 percent rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with THR’s review calling it “an over-the-top spy story, redeemed in part by its leads.” . But viewers have been more receptive. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score for the thriller is 91 percent, and according to the streamer, The Gray Man debuted as the No. 1 film in 92 countries.
AGBO is also behind another Netflix franchise. The 2020 flick starring Chris Hemsworth will have a sequel coming out in 2023.
“With so many incredible characters in the film, we always intended for the Gray Man to be part of an expanded universe, and we’re thrilled that Netflix is announcing a sequel with Ryan,” said the Russos, who are also working on the movie Electric State movie with the streamer.
Scott Stuber, Head of Global Cinema, added: “With The Gray Man, the Russos delivered an edge-of-your-seat show that audiences around the world are loving. We’re excited to continue partnering with them and the AGBO team as they build the universe of The Gray Man.”