The Gray Man (2022)

Last updated:
September 3, 2025

The Gray Man (2022) is an action-thriller directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, starring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas. Adapted from Mark Greaney’s novel, the film brings a CIA black-ops assassin into a deadly game of survival against his own agency. Let’s go step by step through its story, production, and legacy.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Sierra Program

We are introduced to Court Gentry (codename Sierra Six), played by Ryan Gosling. He was once a convicted murderer but was recruited by the CIA to work in their ultra-secret Sierra program as an off-the-record assassin. His handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton), takes him under his wing.

A Mission Gone Wrong

Six is sent on a mission in Bangkok to eliminate a target. During the mission, he discovers that his target is another Sierra agent (Sierra Four). Before dying, Four gives Six a drive containing classified CIA secrets, exposing corruption within the agency.

Lloyd Hansen Enters the Game

The CIA’s shady higher-up, Denny Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page), hires Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), a psychopathic former CIA operative, to retrieve the drive and kill Six. Lloyd is flamboyant, ruthless, and has no limits—making him a perfect foil to Six’s calm and moral approach.

Dani Miranda Joins the Fight

CIA agent Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas) reluctantly helps Six after realizing Carmichael’s intentions are corrupt. Together, they navigate a series of globe-trotting action sequences—massive shootouts, a fight on a tram in Prague, and daring escapes that showcase the Russo brothers’ blockbuster style.

The Stakes Become Personal

Fitzroy’s niece, Claire (Julia Butters), who has a heart condition, becomes a pawn in the battle. Lloyd kidnaps her to bait Six, raising the personal stakes. The story shifts from just protecting a hard drive to protecting the only family Fitzroy—and by extension Six—cares about.

Movie Ending

The climax takes place in a secluded mansion where Lloyd is holding Claire. Six infiltrates the compound in a brutal, high-stakes sequence. After an intense fight, Six and Lloyd go hand-to-hand in a violent brawl near a fountain. Six nearly kills Lloyd, but before he can finish the job, CIA agent Suzanne Brewer (Jessica Henwick) intervenes.

Instead of eliminating Lloyd herself, Brewer shoots him to cover up her tracks, painting herself as the “hero” in the situation. She strikes a deal with Six: he keeps silent about the CIA corruption, and she ensures Claire’s safety. However, true to CIA form, Brewer has no intention of letting Six walk free. He is locked away.

In the final moments, Six escapes custody and rescues Claire from the CIA’s secret safehouse. The film closes with Six promising to protect her at all costs, setting the stage for possible sequels.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. The Gray Man does not include a mid-credits or post-credits scene. The film concludes with Six and Claire’s escape, leaving the story open for a franchise without tacking on an extra teaser.

Type of Movie

The Gray Man is an action spy thriller, blending espionage elements with blockbuster-scale action sequences. It sits in the same family as Mission: Impossible, Jason Bourne, and John Wick.

Cast

Ryan Gosling as Court Gentry / Sierra Six
Chris Evans as Lloyd Hansen
Ana de Armas as Dani Miranda
Jessica Henwick as Suzanne Brewer
Regé-Jean Page as Denny Carmichael
Billy Bob Thornton as Donald Fitzroy
Julia Butters as Claire Fitzroy
Alfre Woodard as Margaret Cahill

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Henry Jackman, known for his work on Marvel movies (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Civil War). The music blends suspenseful, tense orchestration with pounding action cues, underscoring the high-octane battles and espionage tension.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot in multiple locations across Europe and the U.S.:

Prague, Czech Republic: featured in the massive tram sequence, a centerpiece action set piece.
France and Croatia: provided backdrops for safehouses and CIA facilities.
Los Angeles, California: used for studio work and interiors.

These locations were chosen for their international spy-thriller flavor, giving the movie a true globe-trotting aesthetic.

Awards and Nominations

While the film didn’t sweep major awards, it did get recognition for its visual effects and stunt work at various critics’ circles. It was also nominated for technical achievements in sound and production design but did not earn Academy Award-level accolades.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The Russo brothers aimed to launch a Netflix action franchise, much like their Marvel hits.
Chris Evans relished playing a villain, calling Lloyd Hansen “liberating” after years as Captain America.
Ryan Gosling performed a significant amount of his own stunt work.
The Prague tram sequence required months of planning and coordination, involving hundreds of extras and extensive practical stunts.
Ana de Armas pushed to ensure Dani Miranda wasn’t sidelined as a cliché sidekick, making her an equal partner to Six.

Inspirations and References

The movie is adapted from Mark Greaney’s 2009 novel “The Gray Man”. Inspirations come from classic spy thrillers like Bourne Identity and James Bond, but the tone borrows blockbuster spectacle from Marvel films.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Reportedly, alternate takes of Lloyd Hansen’s fate were filmed, with some versions leaving his death more ambiguous. A few extended versions of Six and Claire’s escape exist but were trimmed for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film diverges heavily from the book:

In the novel, Six operates more independently, with less focus on the CIA conspiracy angle.
Lloyd Hansen is a smaller character in the book but expanded into the movie’s central villain.
The book is grittier and more realistic; the movie leans into large-scale, over-the-top action.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The Bangkok assassination and reveal of Sierra Four’s secrets.
The explosive Prague tram chase sequence.
The tense standoff between Six and Lloyd at the mansion.
Six breaking Claire out of CIA custody in the finale.

Iconic Quotes

Lloyd Hansen: “If you want to make an omelet, you gotta kill some people.”
Court Gentry (Six): “I’d rather make my own choices than be anyone’s weapon.”
Suzanne Brewer: “History is written by those who clean up the mess.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Ryan Gosling’s character name “Six” is a subtle nod to him being the sixth recruit in the Sierra program.
The CIA corruption subplot mirrors real-world debates about black-ops accountability.
Chris Evans’ mustache was an intentional anti-Captain America move, designed to make him appear as opposite of Steve Rogers as possible.

Trivia

At $200 million, it was Netflix’s most expensive movie at release.
The Russo brothers confirmed plans for both sequels and spin-offs.
Chris Evans improvised several of Lloyd’s eccentric lines.
Ryan Gosling described Six as “an action hero who doesn’t want to be one.”

Why Watch?

If you enjoy stylish, high-energy action films with charismatic leads, The Gray Man delivers. It’s packed with globe-trotting espionage, over-the-top set pieces, and a duel of personalities between Gosling’s stoic assassin and Evans’ unhinged villain. It’s not about subtlety—it’s about watching two A-list actors punch, kick, and outsmart each other across continents.

The Gray Man (2022)