The Gray Man: Release Date, Cast, And More
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"Avengers" duo Joe and Anthony Russo have reunited with Chris Evans for "The Gray Man," a film set to launch an entire universe of spy thriller movies on Netflix. It features a star-studded cast, including Evans' "Knives Out" costar Ana de Armas, Ryan Gosling, and "Bridgerton" breakout star Regé-Jean Page, among others. The film is said to have a budget of $200 million, making it the streamer's most expensive production to date and perhaps the year's most anticipated Netflix movie.
The Russo brothers remained pretty secretive about their project since it was announced in 2020, but with a glimpse at the characters and a release date to look forward to, there's a lot more we know now. With comparisons to "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and rumors of a James Bond-level scale for the espionage thriller, there's much to learn about "The Gray Man." Here's all we know about the movie.
What is The Gray Man about?
Based on American novelist Mark Greaney's book series of the same name, the film follows the CIA's most skilled mercenary, Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling), a man whose true identity is unknown and who accidentally uncovers dark, incriminating agency secrets. His former colleague and newfound nemesis, the psychopathic Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), puts a bounty on his head and leads the search to capture him on a globetrotting mission.
The story is chock full of action and, as per Anthony Russo (via Deadline), depicts two versions of the CIA: what it can be, and what it can do. The filmmaker also compared "The Gray Man" to "Captain America: Winter Soldier," which saw the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero hunt down a brainwashed assassin (who turns out to be his not-so-deceased BFF), but in more of a "real-world setting."
The book is centered on a deadly duel between its two protagonist killers, and the film appears to be following the same path. "The Gray Man" will be an adventure across the globe — it was filmed in multiple European locations, including Prague, Czech Republic, and the Château de Chantilly in France (a castle right out of fairy tale books).
Who stars in The Gray Man?
"The Gray Man" features a prominent cast, one brimming with Hollywood's finest. Chris Evans is the film's big bad as Lloyd Hansen; Ryan Gosling is a former CIA officer-turned-assassin. Ana de Armas plays Dani Miranda, an incredibly stylish woman who is described as an "untraceable agent." Regé-Jean Page plays the suave Denny Carmichael, a character from the book and the director of National Clandestine Service, CIA. Other cast members include Dhanush in an unknown role, Billy Bob Thornton as Donald Fitzroy, a former MI5 agent and handler of Gentry, and Julia Butters as Claire, his young granddaughter.
Emmy-winning actress Alfre Woodard portrays Maurice Cahill, who helps Gentry when he's on the run from Hansen. Eme Ikwuakor will play Mr. Felix, Robert Kazinsky plays Perini, and other actors include Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, Callan Mulvey, Scott Haze, Michael Gandolfini, and Sam Lerner, along with DeObia Oparei.
Netflix has released a glimpse at the exciting film, featuring first-look images of Evans' and Gosling's characters. While the MCU hero is holding a gun and sporting a cool new mustache, Gosling is seated at a bar and looking from a train. Ana de Armas' Dani is attending a party (indeed with an agenda of her own), and Page is wearing a suit, appearing to be in conversation.
Do we have a trailer and release date for The Gray Man?
Unfortunately, we don't have a trailer for the spy thriller yet. We only just received first look images, so it looks like we'll have to wait slightly longer to see Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans duel it out.
The good news, though, is Netflix has announced a release date for the movie. "The Gray Man" will have a limited global release at the cinemas on July 15, 2022. A week later, on July 22, the film will head to the streaming service. "The Gray Man" book series boasts of 11 installments, which could spell a prosperous future for the potential film franchise, at least where its source material is concerned. Then again, Joe and Anthony Russo (who also created "Extraction") have accomplished so much in their careers, which means Netflix's future spy thriller universe is in great hands. I can't wait to see it — and you should be just as excited, too!