Let's revisit The Gray Man, the Netflix action thriller that landed with a considerable splash a few years back. Boasting the directorial prowess of the Russo brothers and starring Ryan Gosling alongside Chris Evans, it appeared to have all the ingredients for a box-office smash (or, in this case, a streaming sensation).
A high-octane spy thriller helmed by a directing duo known for their blockbuster hits, a budget that promised a visual feast, and a supporting cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Alfre Woodard, Ana de Armas, and Rege-Jean Page – what wasn't to be excited about?
Gosling took on the lead role, portraying Sierra Six, an ostensibly indestructible covert operative with a closely guarded true identity. When Six uncovers some unsettling secrets within the agency, a bounty is placed on his head, transforming him into the hunted.
Now the primary target in a global manhunt, he finds an uneasy alliance with rogue agent Dani (de Armas). Together, they face off against the chillingly detached sociopath Hansen (Evans). Expect a barrage of air crashes, explosions, and large-scale combat sequences spanning the globe as they navigate a hail of bullets.
While audiences responded positively, awarding it a respectable 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critical reception was more muted, resulting in a strikingly low critic score of just 45%.
Whether revisiting it to reassess your initial impressions or simply to revel in the action once more, the film remains a prominent fixture on the streaming platform. With over 139 million views, it currently ranks among Netflix's top ten most-watched films of all time, alongside titles such as Back In Action (2025), Carry-On (2024), and the frontrunner, Red Notice (2021).
Given the Russo brothers' track record, including Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Endgame (2019), subtlety was never on the cards for The Gray Man. It’s a loud, bold, and almost overwhelming spectacle. Beyond the cacophony of gunfire, explosions, and chases, the musical score is equally intense, and the visuals are a relentless barrage of rapid editing, blurred imagery, and dizzying aerial shots.
However, this is a large-scale action film cranked up to eleven, and anything less would have felt underwhelming. It certainly can't be accused of lacking ambition.
Beyond the Action: The Strength of the Supporting Cast
Away from the adrenaline-pumping set pieces, the shadowy world of espionage allows the cast to demonstrate their talent. Rege-Jean Page is perfectly cast as the slippery CIA commander, but the film's moral compass resides in Fitzroy, played by Billy Bob Thornton, who originally recruited Six into the Sierra programme.
Fitzroy retains a paternal interest in his former protégé, a role perfectly suited to Thornton's range. Known for his authority figures in action films like Armageddon (1998), his career also encompasses the hilariously irreverent Bad Santa (2003) and the subtly complex anti-hero of the Coen brothers' unconventional noir The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001). Thornton's presence consistently elevates projects, and he grounds The Gray Man's chaos with a quiet dignity, making it a more compelling film.
Billy Bob Thornton's Other Ventures: Landman
Thornton is currently enjoying success on Paramount Plus with the oil western, Landman.
Inspired by the Texas Monthly podcast, Boomtown, and created by Taylor Sheridan, it garnered 14.9 million viewers worldwide in its first four weeks, becoming the streaming platform's most-watched original show ever.
Landman explores the modern-day oil boom and its profound impact on the lives of those caught in its wake. Tommy Norris (Thornton) takes centre stage as a crisis manager, grappling with corporate pressures and personal challenges in a hostile environment.
The show's blend of social commentary, Western realism, and high-stakes narratives resonated with viewers, and filming for a second season is already underway. While the premiere date remains unconfirmed, a release in 2026 is anticipated.
Following the cliffhanger ending of season one, fans worldwide eagerly await answers to several burning questions.
- How will Norris navigate taking over the company after his boss's death?
- What implications does the arrival of Galino (Andy Garcia), the head of the cartel, hold for the future?
Many familiar faces from season one will return alongside Thornton, including Demi Moore and Ali Larter, while Sam Elliott joins the cast as a regular. Guy Burnet from FUBAR and Miriam Silverman from Your Friends And Neighbors will also have recurring guest roles.
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, Thornton hinted that Norris will be juggling demanding and hazardous jobs with his responsibilities as a family man. With characteristic understatement, he commented, "It makes for some pretty interesting stuff, I have to say." We have no doubt that it will.
Availability:
The Gray Man is available on Netflix in both the US and the UK.
All episodes of season one of Landman are available on Paramount Plus in the US and the UK.
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