Ryan Gosling has starred in several films featuring some intense action sequences, but none to the extent presented inThe Gray Man. The star of the upcomingNetflix filmtalks about tapping into the physically demanding role while also looking forward to a sequel.
Based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Mark Greaney,The Gray Manfollows a skilled CIA black ops mercenarynamed Court Gentry/Sierra Six (Gosling) as he goes on the run from his unhinged former colleague Lloyd Hansen (Evans) and other assassins after he accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets. Out of all the exciting films slated to release onNetflixthis year,The Gray Manmay be one of the biggest (literally). With a budget of $200 million,The Gray Manwill be the streaming platform’s most expensive project to date, as the film hopes to kick off a franchise based on Greaney’s books.
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WhileShane Black’sThe Nice Guys,Drive,Only God Forgives, andThe Place Beyond the Pinescertainly placed Gosling in riveting action sequences, nothing compares to what he had to endure while working onThe Gray Man. “It took a lot. It took a lot of effort. Everything in this movie was just so extreme,” Gosling shared with Access when asked about how much effort the fight sequences took to execute. “This is like twice as many action set pieces as most of them (action movies). It was very physically challenging and overwhelming, but that’s what made it insane and fun.” It looks like that rigorous training for the role paid off, as first reviews are praising Gosling as the titular character, especially since this is his first action hero-type role.
The actor also spoke with MovieWeb about a potential sequel, saying that he is all on board if plans follow through. “I loved making this film. I’d love to do it again. I’m hoping we can bump Six up to a name status at some point, just for his own sanity,” the actor added. Withthe Russo Brothers hoping to kickstart a franchisewithThe Gray Manin the vein of other globe-trotting action franchises like theJames BondorJack Ryanmovies, it appears fans will very likely see more of Gosling in action.
The film’s impressiveensemble also includes Ana de Armasas Dani Miranda, Billy Bob Thornton as Donald Fitzroy, Dhanush as Avik San, Alfre Woodard as Maurice Cahill, Regé-Jean Page as Denny Carmichael, and Julia Butters as Claire Fitzroy. Other cast members include Jessica Henwick, Michael Gandolfini, Wagner Moura, Callan Mulvey, and Sam Lerner. Joe Russo has co-written the film with writing duo Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the pair who worked with the Russo Brothers on their Marvel Studioscfilms.
The Gray Manwill have a limited theatrical release beginning June 24, 2025, followed by its July 22 premiere on Netflix.
