"The Gray Man" Universe Expands

Anthony and Joe Russo’s spy thriller movie “The Gray Man” is expanding from a standalone movie into a franchise.

Netflix is developing a spin-off and a sequel to the spy thriller.

The movie is centered around Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling), a CIA black ops mercenary who sets off a global manhunt after uncovering incriminating information within his agency. The one to blame for putting up the bounty on Gentry’s head is Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), his former colleague.

Other members of the cast include Ana de Armas, Regé-Jean Page, Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, Billy Bob Thornton, Alfre Woodard, Julia Butters, Eme Ikwuakor, Scott Haze, and Dhanush.

“The Gray Man” was released in some theatres on July 15 and debuted on Netflix on July 22.

https://youtu.be/BmllggGO4pM

The movie is based on Mark Greaney’s novel series of the same name that began in 2009 and marks Netflix’s most expensive movie to date, with a budget of $200 million.

The book series currently consists of a total of 11 novels with a twelfth set to be published in 2023. The movie has been well received by audiences and is ranked a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The sequel is set to once again see Gosling in the starring role with the Russo brothers set to return as directors for the sequel with "The Gray Man" co-writer Stephen McFeely returning to write the script.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] The Russo Brothers[/caption]

“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.” The brothers said in a statement.

The details for the spin-off are being kept under wraps, but it was revealed that Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese,  "Deadpool"  and "Zombieland", are set to pen the screenplay.