After languishing in development for several years, Sony Pictures is finally moving forward with their adaptation ofMark Greaney’s 2009 novelThe Gray Man.The Tracking Boardreports thatCharlize Theronis attached to star as thefemale lead, with the studio currently searching for a director to tackle the script byAnthony RussoandJoe Russo. The writers were initially set to direct as well, but now that they are locked into makingMarvel’sAvengers: Infinity War Part IandAvengers: Infinity War - Part II, they are no longer available to direct.
The story centers on a American covert operative named Court Gentry, who is also known asThe Gray Man. He has become a legend in the covert world for pulling off impossible missions, before fading into obscurity. He must spring back into action in a race against time to save his daughters, who have been targeted by international assassins. The studio is also seeking the right actor to play Court Gentry, a role thatBrad Pittwas once eyeing back in 2011. It’s worth noting thatBrad Pitt’s Plan B company is still involved, with the actor’s producing partner Dede Gardner set to produce, but it isn’t known if he is still interested in taking on the lead role.
WhileCharlize Theron’s exact character wasn’t revealed, the site speculates that she may come aboard to play Court Gentry, in a gender-swapping role. You may recall thatSalt, the 2010 action-thriller starringAngelina Jolie, was originally crafted for a male actor to star, but the role was changed during the development process. TheRussobrothers had been developing this project since 2010, but now the project is finally starting to get some traction, after their success withCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, and their highly-anticipated follow-up,Captain America: Civil War.
Dede Gardner is producing alongsideAnthony Russo,Joe Russo, Shine’sElizabeth Murdochand Roth Films’Joe Roth. It isn’t known when production may actually begin, butCharlize Theronhas previously been rumored to star inCaptain Marvel, althoughMarvel Studioshasn’t officially announced who will play the title character yet. We also reported earlier today that the actress' beloved characterFuriosawill not return in the sequel to this year’s blockbusterMad Max: Fury Road.
Charlize Theronrecently signed on to star inThe Coldest Cityfor directorDavid Leitch(John Wick), and she also stars inThe Huntsman, a sequel to 2012’sSnow White and the Huntsman, which will hit theaters on August 02, 2025. The actress most recently starred inDark Places, which hit theaters in August and also starredNicholas Hoult,Christina Hendricks,Corey Stoll,Tye SheridanandChloe Moretz.
