Last week Friday, Netflix released its most expensive production at a reported $200 million in the form of The Gray Man. While our thoughts on the film are little mixed, it looks like audiences and indeed Netflix itself see plenty of potential.

This as Netflix has confirmed plans of a sequel for the Ryan Gosling-led film, as well as developing a larger cinematic universe for The Gray Man.

“A sequel to The Gray Man, which is already a fan favorite with a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, is now in development with star Ryan Gosling and directors Joe and Anthony Russo set to return. The Russos and AGBO’s Mike Larocca will produce along with Joe Roth and Jeffrey Kirschenbaum for Roth Kirschenbaum Films,” noted Netflix in a blog post this week.

“A spin-off film, written by acclaimed screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese (Deadpool, Zombieland) is set to explore a different element of The Gray Man universe. The logline is being kept under wraps,” it adds. 

Having watched it ourselves, there is indeed scope for a cinematic universe to be built, especially given the Jason Bourne / John Wick feel to the film, but Netflix’s history on past projects that had good followings and seemingly got cancelled out of nowhere, does not give us cause for optimism.

That said, with the Russo Brothers helming the project, perhaps there is better guidance behind the scenes of these newly announced plans.

“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,” enthused Joe and Anthony Russo.

“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,” they concluded. 

Either way, it looks like Netflix wants a property in its catalogue akin to what Marvel and DC have.