Netflix's The Gray Man made quite the splash when it debuted, combining high-octane action with a star-studded cast. Now, the streaming giant is gearing up for a sequel, but with a twist: it's going to be more about the characters than the explosions (which must mean Michael Bay won't be directing it).
Scott Stuber, Head of Netflix Film, recently shared some insights about the sequel with Collider, asserting that the focus is shifting from the non-stop action that defined the first film to a deeper exploration of its characters, particularly Ryan Gosling's Courtland Gentry. Stuber expressed admiration for Gosling's range and hinted at a more nuanced portrayal in the upcoming sequel.
The first The Gray Man film, based on Mark Greaney's novel, introduced us to the CIA's most skilled mercenary, whose life turns upside down when he uncovers dark agency secrets (where have we heard this before?). The film wasn't carried by a novel plot, but made up for it where it counts.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film landed well with audiences, racking up over 253 million hours viewed on Netflix. This success has not only paved the way for a sequel but also sparked talks of potential prequels and spinoffs, expanding The Gray Man universe. Sigh.
One such spinoff might revolve around Chris Evans' character, Lloyd Hansen, the sociopathic ex-CIA agent. Another could focus on Avik San, aka The Lone Wolf, portrayed by the prolific Indian actor Dhanush. These projects, still in early development, promise to give these characters more depth, which can't possibly be a bad thing, right?
