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The Gray Man (2022 film)

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The Gray Man is a 2022 American action thriller film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, from a screenplay the latter co-wrote with Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Mark Greaney. The film stars Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jessica Henwick, Regé-Jean Page, Wagner Moura, Julia Butters, Dhanush (in his Hollywood debut), Alfre Woodard, and Billy Bob Thornton. Produced by the Russo brothers' company AGBO, it is the first film in a franchise based upon Greaney's Gray Man novels. The plot centers on CIA agent "Sierra Six" (portrayed by Gosling), who is on the run from sociopathic ex-CIA agent and mercenary Lloyd Hansen (Evans) upon discovering corrupt secrets about his superior.

The Gray Man
Two men standing back to back are lit in red-orange lighting in contrast to the navy blue sky city background.
Release poster
Directed byAnthony Russo
Joe Russo
Screenplay by
Based onThe Gray Man
by Mark Greaney
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyStephen F. Windon
Edited by
Music byHenry Jackman
Production
companies
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • July 15, 2022 (2022-07-15)
Running time
129 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$200 million[1]
Box office$454,023[2]

An adaptation of Greaney's novel was originally announced in 2011, with James Gray set to direct Brad Pitt, and later Charlize Theron in a gender-swapped role, though neither version ever came to fruition. The property lingered in development hell until July 2020, when it was announced the Russo brothers would direct, with both Gosling and Evans attached to star. Filming took place in Los Angeles, Paris and Prague between March and July 2021. With a production budget of $200 million, it is among the most expensive films made by Netflix.

The Gray Man began a limited theatrical release on July 15, 2022, followed by its digital release on Netflix on July 22, 2022. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the ensemble cast and action sequences, but criticism toward the "clichéd script and breakneck pacing."[3] The film is being followed by a sequel, with Gosling and Dhanush reprising their roles, as well as a spin-off.[4]

Plot

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In 2003, senior CIA official Donald Fitzroy visits a prisoner named Courtland Gentry in Florida. Eight years earlier, Courtland was a minor convicted of killing his abusive father to protect his brother. Fitzroy offers him his freedom in exchange for working as an assassin in the CIA's Sierra program, an elite black ops unit, which will allow him to exist in the gray.

In 2021, Courtland, now known as Sierra Six, is working with fellow CIA agent Dani Miranda to assassinate a target named Dining Car suspected of selling off national security secrets in Bangkok during the national Songkran festival. Unable to do so stealthily without harming civilians, he attacks Dining Car directly, mortally wounding him. Before dying, he reveals he was also in the Sierra program as Sierra Four. He hands Six an encrypted drive detailing the corruption of CIA official Denny Carmichael, the lead agent on the assassination mission.

Carmichael is elusive about the true purpose of the mission and the contents of the drive when confronted by Six, and Six refuses evacuation from Bangkok with Carmichael's men. Sending the drive to former Sierra Program handler Margaret Cahill in Prague, he calls a now-retired Fitzroy to request extraction.

Carmichael hires mercenary Lloyd Hansen, a former CIA agent kicked out for his sociopathic tendencies, to track down Six and retrieve the drive. Hansen does so by kidnapping Fitzroy's niece Claire, forcing Fitzroy to authorize Six's murder by the extraction team. However, Six kills them and escapes.

Frustrated, Carmichael sends his subordinate Suzanne Brewer to oversee Hansen and keep him in line. Hansen keeps Claire hostage in a mansion in Croatia, at his base of operations. He also puts a massive bounty on Six's head to get mercenaries and assassins to hunt him down.

Six heads to Vienna to find the serial number of Claire's pacemaker from Laszlo Sosa, but he betrays him for the bounty. Six escapes from Sosa's entrapment just as Hansen arrives with his team (and Hansen kills Sosa), while Six kills all of Hansen's teammates and is rescued by Miranda from Hansen. Her reputation is shot thanks to the Bangkok mission and she initially plans to bring him in to salvage her CIA career.

Six convinces her to drive him to Cahill's apartment in Prague, where she decrypts the drive. It reveals the extent of Carmichael's corruption on behalf of a mysterious benefactor working for a shadow government. Hansen sends several teams of assassins to Cahill, and a terminally ill Cahill blows up her home, so Six and Miranda can escape.

Six is arrested and handcuffed in the square. A massive shootout in Prague resulted in all the police officers present slaughtered and Six escaped on a tram. After a long chase and gun battle, Six is once again saved by Miranda, in Cahill's bulletproof car. They infiltrate a hospital to track down Claire through her pacemaker's wireless signal.

Subsequently, an Indian-Tamil mercenary, code-named "Lone Wolf", hired by Hansen, tracks and overcomes Six and Miranda, retrieves the drive, and then brings it to Hansen for the offered bounty. Six and Miranda follow the pacemaker to Hansen's base. She creates a distraction while he infiltrates the mansion rescuing Fitzroy and Claire. Mortally wounded as they flee, Fitzroy sacrifices himself attempting to kill Hansen. Miranda manages to reclaim the drive after Lone Wolf, disgusted by Hansen's sociopathy and amoral tendencies, surrenders the drive to her before leaving.

Hansen takes Claire hostage and drags her into a hedge maze. After a standoff, he lets go of Claire and fights with Six. Before Six can kill him, Brewer shoots Hansen. She then tells Six that she plans to pin Carmichael's actions on Hansen to gain leverage over him. Furthermore, Brewer pledges for Claire's safety, but only if Six continues to work for the CIA.

Six and Miranda are forced to cooperate in the cover-up, where ultimately no action is taken against Carmichael. After the debriefing at the CIA headquarters, Miranda threatens to kill Carmichael if any harm comes to Claire. Six escapes custody and frees Claire, who was being held at a secret location, and escapes.

Cast

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In addition, Callan Mulvey appears as Dining Car ("Sierra Four") at the start of the film, setting the plot in motion whilst Shea Whigham appeared as Six's father in flashbacks.

Production

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Development

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The project was first set up at New Regency, with James Gray set to direct a screenplay written by Adam Cozad in January 2011.[7] Brad Pitt was initially cast to star, but by October 2015 he and Gray were no longer involved with the film. Charlize Theron entered talks to star in a gender-swapped version of the film at Sony Pictures, with Anthony and Joe Russo writing the screenplay.[8][9]

Casting

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No further development was announced until July 2020, when the Russo brothers were announced to direct the film, from a screenplay by Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, with additional material written by Anna Gregory, Charles Leavitt, Rhett Reese, Joe Schrapnel, and Paul Wernick, for Netflix, to spawn a franchise. Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans were cast to star in the film.[1][10] In December, Ana de Armas, Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, Julia Butters and Dhanush were added to the cast.[11][12] Regé-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton, Alfre Woodard, Eme Ikwuakor, and Scott Haze joined the cast in March 2021.[13][14] An April article about shooting in Prague had Michael Gandolfini included in the cast.[15] In May 2021, DeObia Oparei joined the cast of the film.[16]

Filming

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Filming was to commence on January 18, 2021, in Long Beach, California,[17][18] but was pushed back to March 1.[19][17] Page wrapped his role within the first month of shooting.[20] It filmed in Europe in the spring,[21] with locations including Prague, Czech Republic, the Château de Chantilly in France, Croatia and as well as in Baku, Azerbaijan.[22][23][24] Filming in Prague took place from June 27, 2021.[25][26] Filming wrapped on July 31, 2021.[27]

At a budget over $200 million, The Gray Man is one of Netflix's most expensive original films.[28]

Music

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Main article: The Gray Man (soundtrack)

The film's score was composed by Henry Jackman, who previously collaborated with the Russos on several of their films. Jackman began writing the score in December 2021, beginning with a 17-minute-long suite.[29]

Release

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The Gray Man began a limited theatrical release on July 15, 2022, followed by its release on Netflix on July 22, 2022.[30][31] Though Netflix does not report theatrical grosses for its titles, distribution insiders estimated the film made around $200,000 from about 400 theaters in its opening weekend.[32] IndieWire estimated the film made $300,000–375,000 over its first full week of theatrical release.[33]

Reception

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Viewership

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Netflix reported the film was streamed for a total of 88.55 million hours over its first three days, which would equal around 43.55 million viewers. It was the most-watched film in 84 countries.[33] By September the film had totalled 253.8 million hours viewed.[34]

Critical response

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On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 45% of 276 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.5/10. The website's consensus reads: "The Gray Man has the star-studded outline of an entertaining action thriller, but it's filled in with lukewarm leftovers from far better films."[35] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 49 out of 100, based on 55 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[36]

Accolades

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The film was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature at the 21st Visual Effects Society Awards.[37]

Future

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Sequel

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Scott Stuber, head of original films on Netflix, expressed his interest in future Gray Man films, saying: "We're excited to continue to partner with the Russo brothers and the team at AGBO as they build out The Gray Man universe."[38] After the film's debut weekend, a sequel was announced with Gosling, Dhanush and the Russo brothers returning to their respective roles.[33]

Spin-off

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A spin-off film, which will explore a different element of The Gray Man universe, will be written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese.[39][40] The Russo Brothers stated that they are considering making a spin-off film about Dhanush's character Avik San (The Lone Wolf).[41]

Notes

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  1. ^ Though the character is credited as "Avik San", that name is never mentioned in the narrative.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 17, 2020). "Netflix Commits Largest Budget So Far For 'The Gray Man;' Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans Star, AGBO'S Joe & Anthony Russo Direct Mano A Mano Espionage Thriller". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  2. ^ "The Gray Man (2022)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  3. ^ "'The Gray Man' Review Roundup: A 'Throwback' Action Movie That's 'Listless' and Full of 'Tropes and Cliches'". Variety. July 14, 2022. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  4. ^ "The Gray Man sequel and spinoff are in development at Netflix". JoBlo.com. July 26, 2022. Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  5. ^ Williams, Jordan (July 22, 2022). "Who Plays Young Six In The Gray Man (The Boys Connection Explained)". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on June 15, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  6. ^ "Dhanush Shares Thoughts On Being Called Sexy Tamil Friend". Moviecrow. July 25, 2022. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022. Dhanush's character is named Avik San in the movie but not once is the assassin referred to by that name.
  7. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr (January 14, 2011). "James Gray To Direct 'The Gray Man'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  8. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr (August 15, 2011). "Brad Pitt To Star In Regency's 'The Gray Man'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  9. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr (October 12, 2015). "Charlize Theron Prompts Protagonist Gender Change For Sony's 'The Gray Man'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  10. ^ "The Gray Man". Writers Guild of America West. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  11. ^ Kroll, Justin (December 11, 2020). "Ana De Armas Joins Ryan Gosling And Chris Evans In Russo Brothers' 'The Gray Man' For Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 16, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  12. ^ Kroll, Justin (December 17, 2020). "Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, Dhanush And Julia Butters Join The Russo Brothers' 'Gray Man' Starring Ryan Gosling". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  13. ^ Kroll, Justin (March 3, 2021). "'Bridgerton' Star Regé-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton And Alfre Woodard Join Ryan Gosling In The Russo Brothers' 'The Gray Man' For Netflix and AGBO". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  14. ^ "'The Gray Man': Eme Ikwuakor & Scott Haze Join The Russo Brother's Netflix Thriller". Deadline Hollywood. March 24, 2021. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  15. ^ "Prague to play Bangkok in 'The Gray Man', starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans". The Prague Reporter. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  16. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (May 24, 2021). "'Game of Thrones' Actor DeObia Oparei Cast in 'The Gray Man' From Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  17. ^ a b "The Gray Man". Production List. Film & Television Industry Alliance. January 25, 2021. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  18. ^ Kroll, Justin (December 18, 2020). "Universal Lands AGBO's Adaptation Of 'The Electric State' With Millie Bobby Brown Starring, The Russo Brothers Directing And Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely Writing". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  19. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (December 18, 2020). "Netflix Pushes 'The Gray Man' Start Over California's Rise In Positive Covid Tests; Streamer's Biggest Tentpole Is In Pre-Production". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 13, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  20. ^ "Inside Rege-Jean Page's 'Bridgerton' Departure". The Hollywood Reporter. April 6, 2021. Archived from the original on April 7, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  21. ^ "'The Gray Man' Will Kick Off a Franchise, Confirm Russo Brothers; Filming Date Revealed". Collider. December 5, 2020. Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  22. ^ "Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans thriller 'The Gray Man' to shoot in Prague this spring". The Prague Reporter. March 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  23. ^ "Not Only Dhanush, This Indian Actress to be Part of Russo Brothers' 'The Gray Man'". MSN. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  24. ^ Keslassy, Elsa (June 2, 2021). "France Lures Back Big American Shoots as Pandemic Slows Down Locally (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  25. ^ Pirodsky, Jason (June 4, 2021). "'The Gray Man', with Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling, begins Prague shoot this month". The Prague Reporter. Archived from the original on June 4, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  26. ^ "The Gray Man location guide: Where was Netflix movie filmed?". Radio Times. July 22, 2021. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  27. ^ Jirak, Jamie (July 31, 2021). "The Russo Brothers Wrap Filming on The Gray Man With Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  28. ^ Stevens, Dana (July 18, 2022). "Netflix's Most Expensive Movie Ever Has a Secret Weapon". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  29. ^ Burlingame, Jon (July 21, 2022). "'Gray Man' Composer Henry Jackman Scored Film's Music Without Seeing a Single Frame". Variety. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  30. ^ Kroll, Justin (April 27, 2022). "Netflix Announces Summer Slate Including Dates For Jamie Foxx's Day Shift And Kevin Hart's Me Time". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  31. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (July 13, 2022). "'Only in Theaters': Inside Hollywood's Campaign to Get Audiences Back to the Big Screens". Variety. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022. Though the film will have a limited theatrical release on July 15 prior to landing on Netflix on July 22, "The Gray Man" will not be playing in most of the nation's cinemas.
  32. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 16, 2022). "'Thor: Love And Thunder' Falling -68% In Weekend 2; 'Crawdads' Carrying $17M Tune – Sunday AM Box Office Update". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  33. ^ a b c Maglio, Tony (July 26, 2022). "'The Gray Man' Falls Just Short of 'The Kissing Booth 3' as Netflix's Fifth-Best Movie Debut". IndieWire. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  34. ^ "Chaos Isn't Reigning At Summer Box Office With $3.35B+, Despite Exhibition's Woes: Season Wrap-Up". Deadline Hollywood. September 2, 2022. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  35. ^ "The Gray Man". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 7, 2022.  
  36. ^ "The Gray Man". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  37. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (January 17, 2023). "Avatar: The Way of Water Leads Visual Effects Society Awards Nominations". Variety. Penske Media Corporation.
  38. ^ "The Gray Man Sequel and Spinoff in Development at Netflix, Ryan Gosling Returning". ComicBook.com. July 26, 2022. Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  39. ^ "The Gray Man Is Already Getting a Sequel and a Spin-Off". IGN. July 26, 2022. Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  40. ^ "'The Gray Man' sequel announced; Dhanush to get a spin-off of his character Avik San?". The Times of India. July 28, 2022. Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
  41. ^ "Russo Brothers say a spin-off movie on Dhanush's The Gray Man character in offing: 'He plays one of the top assassins in the world'". The Indian Express. May 25, 2022. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
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