Are some films just too big to fail? That could be the case with Netflix’s “The Gray Man.” While the Russo Brothers’ film has an unfavorable 48% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the action thriller is currently #1 on Netflix, and clearly, the streaming service and the Russo’s AGBO films empire are more than happy with how the film performed with audiences. Because today, the company announced much more ‘Gray Man’ is on the way.
Netflix announced two films, a “Gray Man” sequel starring Ryan Gosling and, as promised a few months before its release, a “Gray Man” prequel “set to explore a different element of The Gray Man universe. The logline is being kept under wraps.” While that’s vague, we know that a few months back, the Russos themselves said a prequel would center on the sociopathic character Chris Evans plays in the film—certainly one of its highlights. While the details aren’t super clear it sounds like the Russos will at least direct the sequel, but it’s unclear who will helm the prequel.
“The audience reaction to The Gray Man has been nothing short of phenomenal,” the Russos said in a statement. “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.”
Both films aren’t much of a surprise; the original “Gray Man” film ends with a kind of ellipsis that suggests more, and, as mentioned, the Russos suggested a prequel could be in the cards a few months back in the pages of Empire. Also likely returning for the sequel will be Jessica Henwick, Regé-Jean Page, and Julia Butters, and potentially Ana de Armas as they all seem like key ingredients to “The Gray Man” franchise.
The Lloyd Hansen prequel—aka the film centering on Evans psychopath character, even if that isn’t official— is being written by “Deadpool” screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (these details confirmed in the aforementioned Empire piece from the Russos own volition). Their comedically twisted sensibilities make them a great choice for that insane and disturbed character, likely to be made as some kind of anti-hero in the movie.
The direct sequel will be written by Stephen McFeely, one half of the Christopher Markus and McFeely team that wrote “The Gray Man” and co-wrote all the “Captain America” and “Avengers” movies the Russos directed during their tenure at Marvel.
Speaking of, there’s been a lot of speculation that the Russos may or may not come back to Marvel because of how busy they were with all their AGBO films—the duo’s production company— and the answer to that question has arrived. Kevin Feige recently revealed they would not be directing either of the upcoming “Avengers” movies for 2025, but they are looking to find a project for the brothers at some point. Given the time frame and all these sequels and prequels, they have to oversee. It’s very likely if the Russos do return, they’ll have to wait for the next big Marvel Saga that likely doesn’t arrive until 2027-ish. Until then, AGBO and this new “Gray Man” franchise await.